Rise Up had a strong presence at Women Deliver in Kigali, Rwanda last month. A diverse delegation of Rise Up Leaders from around the world attended the global conference on gender equity to speak on important issues such as girls’ rights, youth advocacy and engagement, education access, sexual and reproductive health and rights, family planning, and technology.
Rise Up Leader Dr. Jean Berchmans Uwimana of Rwanda proudly attended Women Deliver in his home country as part of our delegation to advocate for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health as a basic human right.
“I believe that when people have control over their reproductive choices, they are more likely to seek education, employment opportunities, and personal objectives, resulting in more gender equality and empowerment,” Berchmans told us.
Berchmans is a physician, grassroots public health leader, the founder of Rwanda’s Medical Doctors for Choice network, and the host of “Flavours of Family Planning,” an edutainment program promoting male engagement in family planning. He has been part of the Rise Up global network since 2019 and we asked him to share what attending Women Deliver meant to him.
My Experience at Women Deliver 2023
by Rise Up Leader Dr. Jean Berchmans Uwimana
Joining the Rise Up delegation felt like entering a symphony of empowerment, with each note of collaboration and unity contributing to a joyful melody of progress. Participating in events such as Women Deliver is a transforming experience for activism and network-building. It allowed me to hear the voices being raised, engage with a varied and influential audience, and form meaningful relationships, all of which certainly will lead to contributing to major progress in advancing women’s rights, gender equality, and sexual and reproductive health in my region. Women Deliver also provided me with important knowledge and insights into the most recent trends, research, and best practices in gender equality, women’s rights, and sexual and reproductive health.
Being a Rise Up Leader confers recognition and credibility, making interacting with other global development leaders, organizations, and stakeholders simpler. As a Rise Up Leader, I receive access to a broad network of other Rise Up Leaders, activists, and advocates. This network spans multiple geographies and specific areas of interest, giving numerous chances for cooperation, learning, and partnership. The platform also provides visibility for my work and outstanding exposure to national and international conferences such as WD2023, other comparable events, and advocacy campaigns, all of which help broaden the reach of my desired audience, which includes partners and beneficiaries.
Overall, hosting Women Deliver in Rwanda and participating in the conference provides a unique and valuable chance to elevate the country’s efforts in promoting gender equality and women’s rights on a worldwide scale. It promotes collaboration, knowledge exchange, and empowerment among local activists and advocates, thereby advancing the women’s rights movement in Rwanda and beyond.