The Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) recently participated in a critical national youth forum at the invitation of the Imbuto Foundation. The event, framed as a “powerful national dialogue bringing together young people, leaders, parents, and partners,” was centered on the urgent need to accelerate actions to end teenage pregnancy in Rwanda.
For RUB, ensuring that youth with disabilities are included in these national conversations is a top priority. The Imbuto Foundation designed the gathering to “drive bold action for youth empowerment, promote adolescent sexual and reproductive health”. To achieve this, it is essential that the distinct needs of all youth, including those with visual impairments, are understood and addressed by policymakers and health advocates.
During the forum, RUB’s Executive Director, Mr. Mugisha Jacques, had the sideline opportunity to interact directly with other key participants. He used this time to shed light on the unique challenges that visually impaired adolescents face regarding their sexual and reproductive health. His interactions underscored that any comprehensive approach to youth empowerment must account for the accessibility of information and healthcare services for persons with disabilities.
The primary goal of this national dialogue was to search for “sustainable solutions that will help in building a capable and safe society”. By sharing the lived experiences of visually impaired adolescents, RUB and Mr. Mugisha Jacques helped ensure that these emerging solutions are truly inclusive. We believe that a capable society is one that leaves no one behind, and we will continue working with partners like the Imbuto Foundation to protect and empower all young people in Rwanda.