Women In Global Health Rwanda

Women in Global health Rwanda Chapter| women-led movement of women health professionals| Addressing gender equity in health sector.

[Women Doctors For Reproductive Justice @doctors_women]

As life expectancy increases in Rwanda, more women are spending a significant part of their lives after menopause, making it a public health issue that deserves greater attention.

This morning, @doctors_women joined @bbkigalifm for an important discussion on "Beyond the Pause: Understanding Menopause and the Hidden Challenges Women Face During This Stage of Life."

Through Beyond the Pause Project, RWDFRJ is generating evidence on menopause and its intersection with Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). Through research, advocacy, and community engagement, we aim to strengthen healthcare responses, inform policy, and ensure that women experiencing menopause are seen, heard, and supported.

Menopause is a natural stage of life, not a disease. Yet, it remains surrounded by silence, myths, stigma, and misinformation. During the discussion, we explored its physical, emotional, and psychological impacts, emphasizing that every woman's experience is different. We also highlighted the need for evidence-based care, accurate information, and supportive families, workplaces, communities, and healthcare systems.

The conversation does not end here. Let's continue breaking the silence, challenging stigma, and creating a society where every woman can navigate menopause with dignity, confidence, and the support she deserves.

[Women Doctors For Reproductive Justice @doctors_women]

"Research is seeing what everybody else has seen and thinking what nobody else has thought." - Albert Szent-Györgyi

As part of our commitment to strengthening evidence-based programming and advocacy, @doctors_women, in partnership with @AmplifyChange, conducted a staff capacity-building session on Introduction to Research and Study Design.

The training equipped team members with foundational research knowledge and highlighted the critical role of research in improving health outcomes and informing policy. The session also served as an important preparatory step for RWDFRJ's ongoing Beyond the Pause research, seeking to generate evidence on the experiences and specific health needs of women during menopause.

By strengthening our research capacity, we are better positioned to generate evidence to inform policy and advocacy, advancing reproductive justice and improving the health and well-being of women in menopause across Rwanda.

[Women Doctors For Reproductive Justice @doctors_women]

“Every stitch made and every skill learned is a step toward confidence, independence, and hope.” - Ishami Initiative

Teenage pregnancy remains a significant public health and social challenge in Rwanda. About 8% of teenage girls have begun childbearing, with many of them facing school dropout, stigma, economic dependence, mental health challenges, and limited opportunities for their future.

Recognizing these realities and the urgent need to support young mothers beyond motherhood alone, @doctors_women officially launched the Ishami Initiative, a six-month empowerment program supporting teenage mothers aged 15-19 through tailoring skills development, peer support, mentorship, and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) education.

Through the initiative, RWDFRJ is creating a safe and supportive space where young mothers can rebuild confidence, develop practical income-generating skills, and access comprehensive SRHR education, including contraception, prevention of repeat unintended pregnancies, healthy relationships, parenting, mental health support, and access to youth-friendly healthcare services.

At RWDFRJ, we believe every girl deserves dignity, support, and the opportunity to thrive regardless of her circumstances. Through Ishami Initiative, we are transforming vulnerability into resilience, empowerment, and hope.

#IshamiInitiative

[Women Doctors For Reproductive Justice @doctors_women]

Day 6 of RWDFRJ Women’s Health Week: Ending Gender-Based Violence is Protecting Women’s Health.

Today, @doctors_women raises awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as a major public health and human rights concern affecting women and girls worldwide. GBV goes beyond physical harm. It deeply affects women’s mental, emotional, sexual, and reproductive health, while also impacting their dignity, safety, and overall well-being. Many women and girls continue to experience physical, emotional, sexual, economic, and technology-facilitated violence in silence, often without timely access to support and care.

The growing burden of GBV reminds us that violence against women remains a critical issue requiring urgent and collective action. Beyond its health consequences, GBV limits women and girls from fully participating in education, employment, leadership, and community life.

As we continue celebrating RWDFRJ Women’s Health Week, let us remember that protecting women’s health also means protecting their rights, safety, and bodily autonomy.

#WomensHealthWeek2026

[Women Doctors For Reproductive Justice @doctors_women]

“Not all wounds are visible, and women’s mental health deserves just as much attention as physical health.”
As we mark Day 5 of RWDFRJ Women’s Health Week, we are raising awareness about women’s mental health and the importance of creating supportive and stigma-free spaces where women and girls can seek care, support, and healing.

Women face many pressures within families, workplaces, schools, and communities, and these
responsibilities can greatly affect their emotional and psychological well-being. Yet, mental health challenges among women often remain misunderstood or untreated due to stigma, gender inequality, violence, economic stress, and limited access to care.

Globally, women are 1.5 times more likely to experience depression than men, and more than 10% of pregnant women and new mothers experience postpartum depression.

At RWDFRJ, we believe mental health is a human right and a public health priority. No woman or girl should ever feel ashamed to ask for support.

#WomensHealthWeek2026

[Women Doctors For Reproductive Justice @doctors_women]

🌸 RWDFRJ Women’s Health Week 2026 – Day 4: Fertility Awareness 🌸

On Day 4 of Women’s Health Week 2026, @doctors_women is raising awareness about fertility as an important part of women’s health and reproductive rights.

Fertility is more than pregnancy. It is connected to hormonal health, menstrual health, nutrition, lifestyle, mental well-being, and access to quality healthcare. Conditions such as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), previously known as Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), continue to affect millions of women worldwide and often remain undiagnosed.

At RWDFRJ, we believe fertility conversations must move beyond stigma, myths, and silence. Every woman deserves access to accurate reproductive health information, quality healthcare services, and the freedom to make informed decisions about her body and future.

Advancing fertility awareness means building a future where women’s health is understood, prioritized, and supported with evidence-based care.

#WomensHealthWeek2026

[Women In Global Health Rwanda @WGHRwanda]

Nurses are the backbone of healthcare systems and champions of women’s health worldwide. Today, we honor their compassion, leadership, and tireless service in advancing healthier communities for all. Happy International Nurses Day! 💙🌍

#InternationalNursesDay2026

[Women Doctors For Reproductive Justice @doctors_women]

Today, on Day 3 of @doctors_women Women’s Health Week 2026, we proudly join the world in celebrating International Nurses Day.

According to the WHO, nurses make up nearly 59% of the global health workforce, making them the largest group of health professionals worldwide. This reflects the critical role they continue to play in strengthening healthcare systems and improving the well-being of communities every day.

From maternal and reproductive healthcare to counseling, emergency response, prevention, and community outreach, nurses remain at the center of healthcare delivery. They provide care, comfort, guidance, and hope to women, girls, and communities, often serving as the first point of contact for those seeking healthcare and support.

As we continue celebrating Women’s Health Week 2026, RWDFRJ recognizes and appreciates the dedication, compassion, resilience, and leadership that nurses bring into healthcare spaces.

To every nurse making a difference in hospitals, health centers, and communities: thank you for your commitment to saving lives and advancing women’s health.

#WomensHealth2026
#IND2026

[Women Doctors For Reproductive Justice @doctors_women]

Today, on Day 3 of @doctors_women Women’s Health Week 2026, we proudly join the world in celebrating International Nurses Day.

According to the WHO, nurses make up nearly 59% of the global health workforce, making them the largest group of health professionals worldwide. This reflects the critical role they continue to play in strengthening healthcare systems and improving the well-being of communities every day.

From maternal and reproductive healthcare to counseling, emergency response, prevention, and community outreach, nurses remain at the center of healthcare delivery. They provide care, comfort, guidance, and hope to women, girls, and communities, often serving as the first point of contact for those seeking healthcare and support.

As we continue celebrating Women’s Health Week 2026, RWDFRJ recognizes and appreciates the dedication, compassion, resilience, and leadership that nurses bring into healthcare spaces.

To every nurse making a difference in hospitals, health centers, and communities: thank you for your commitment to saving lives and advancing women’s health.

#WomensHealth2026
#IND2026

[Women Doctors For Reproductive Justice @doctors_women]

"Healthcare provider attitudes shape access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare services".

@doctors_women coordinated a consultative workshop bringing together academics, medical doctors, and civil society organizations to review the Values Clarification and Attitude Transformation (VCAT) Manual.

The revised VCAT Manual will serve as a key resource for future VCAT sessions, supporting healthcare providers to reflect on their values, challenge stigma, and deliver ethical, rights-based reproductive healthcare services.

This collaborative space encouraged an interdisciplinary dialogue based on real clinical experience and academic insight, ensuring the VCAT Manual will be contextually relevant, evidence-based, and responsive to the realities of reproductive health in Rwanda.

#VCAT
#EndStigma
#EthicalHealthcare

@awdf

[Women Doctors For Reproductive Justice @doctors_women]

Did you know❓❓Women make up only about 30% of scientists worldwide🌍.

Today as we celebrate the International Day of Women & Girls in Science, @doctors_women joins the global community in honoring the power, brilliance, and impact of women and girls in science.

This year’s theme, “From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap”, inspires us to not only innovate in labs and clinics but also turn knowledge into real-world impact, ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind in the science revolution.

RWDFRJ reaffirms its commitment to empowering girls and young women to pursue careers in STEM. Through career guidance, mentorship, research, advocacy, and clinical care, we are actively working to close gender gaps hindering women to fully exercise their scientific potential👩‍🔬

[Women Doctors For Reproductive Justice @doctors_women]

We are proud to launch the Rwanda Women Doctors For Reproductive Justice Annual Report 2025, a reflection of a year marked by dedication, progress, and collective impact in advancing reproductive justice.

Together, we strengthened advocacy, expanded services, empowered communities, and advanced equitable healthcare.

This milestone was made possible by our members, partners, and stakeholders whose trust and collaboration continue to drive our mission forward.

Join us in advancing Reproductive Justice for all.🌟

Click to read the full Annual report 👉: https://t.co/sn96QDZKmw

[Women Doctors For Reproductive Justice @doctors_women]

45% of all induced abortions worldwide are unsafe, and in law restricted settings, only 1 in 4 abortions is safe. Protective laws alone aren’t enough; they must be clearly understood, interpreted correctly, and properly implemented.

Under our initiative that aims to break barriers to SRH services supported by @awdf01 , @doctors_women conducted a 2 days VCAT (Values Clarification and Attitudes Transformation) session specifically for our coordination team. It was a meaningful space for reflection, learning, and honest dialogue.

The training strengthened our internal alignment, deepened understanding of Rwanda’s legal framework on safe abortion, and encouraged us to examine how personal values, stigma, and systemic barriers shape implementation and access.

By building a shared foundation of knowledge and advocacy values, we are better equipped to raise awareness, combat stigma, and mobilize support for reproductive justice across Rwanda.

[Women Doctors For Reproductive Justice @doctors_women]

Today, @doctors_women joins women and girls worldwide in celebrating International Women's Day 2026 under the theme: “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” We also honor the resilience, leadership, and contributions of women who continue to build stronger and healthier communities.

For us, #IWD2026 is both a celebration and a call to action. It is a reminder that policy must transform into practical changes. Achieving reproductive justice means strengthening survivor-centered GBV services, expanding youth-friendly SRHR information and services, protecting reproductive rights, and investing in women’s health and leadership.

When women and girls rise, communities rise with them.

#IWD2026
#RightsJusticeAction
#WomensHealth

[Women Doctors For Reproductive Justice @doctors_women]

“A law can open the door to reproductive health, but informed healthcare providers ensure people can truly access these services.”

Following Rwanda’s new law allowing adolescents to access contraceptive services, @doctors_women is committed to preparing the next generation of healthcare providers to turn policy into meaningful practice.

We trained medical students on family planning, strengthening their knowledge, confidence, and values to provide accurate, respectful, and youth-friendly reproductive health information and services.

Empowering future providers means empowering young people to make informed decisions about their bodies, their health, and their futures.

RWDFRJ remain committed to equipping the next generation of doctors to champion reproductive justice and expand access to quality reproductive health services for all.

[Women Doctors For Reproductive Justice @doctors_women]

Today, @doctors_women paid a courtesy visit to RHIA - Women Chapter, marking an important step with a shared commitment to advancing equitable access to healthcare services for women and girls across Rwanda, and exploring how digital solutions can help bridge existing gaps in care.

The meeting was a valuable space to exchange insights on our ongoing work, strategic priorities, and areas of expertise. We also explored opportunities aimed at empowering women professionals working at the intersection of health and technology. The discussions further highlighted the importance of building inclusive, gender-responsive data systems that capture the realities of women and girls and inform more effective interventions.

Real progress in healthcare access for women and girls begins with investing in SRHR digital innovation.

[Women Doctors For Reproductive Justice @doctors_women]

@doctors_women was honored to host our valued partners from @AmplifyChange for a meaningful and inspiring visit under the Beyond the Pause project. The visit provided an important moment for reflection, connection, and shared learning as we continue advancing action on a critically overlooked SRHR issue, which is menopause.

Our discussions focused on how Beyond the Pause is intentionally bringing visibility to menopause, a neglected phase of women’s health often surrounded by silence, stigma, and limited awareness. We emphasized on integrating menopause into existing SRHR frameworks to ensure continuity of care beyond reproductive years, and recognizing it as a key component of women’s health. We also explored the role of community engagement, research, and advocacy in breaking taboos and shifting narratives.

As we move forward, we remain committed to ensuring that menopause is no longer a silent or invisible phase, but a recognized, supported, and dignified stage of life for every woman.

#beyondthepause

[Women Doctors For Reproductive Justice @doctors_women]

Today, we join the world in celebrating #InternationalGirlsInICT Day under the theme: “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future.”

At @doctors_women, we recognize that the future of health, justice, and equity is digital. Artificial Intelligence is transforming how we access health information and deliver care. The question is no longer whether AI will shape the future, but who shapes it. When girls are excluded, inequality continues, but when they are empowered, they become innovators, which is why inclusive digital solutions are essential for reproductive justice.

This day is a reminder for everyone to create enabling environments for inclusive innovation, challenge norms that limit girls’ participation in ICT, and for girls themselves to recognize that their ideas and leadership matter now more than ever.

#GirlsInICT
#GirlsInTech

[Women Doctors For Reproductive Justice @doctors_women]

Happy International Day of the Midwife 2026🌍

Today, @doctors_women celebrates midwives who stand with women at some of the most critical moments of life. They provide not just clinical care, but dignity, trust, and hope to families and communities every single day.

Your work saves lives. Yet too many women still die from preventable maternal causes, nearly 260,000 every year, with the highest burden in Sub-Saharan Africa. Behind every number is a mother, a family, and a story.

This is why maternal and neonatal health must remain at the center of our work, and it shows why midwives matter now more than ever.

#MidwivesMatter #IDM2026 #ReproductiveJustice

[Women In Global Health Rwanda @WGHRwanda]

To every woman advancing health equity worldwide: your work strengthens health systems, transforms communities, and saves lives. From frontline Clinical care to research, advocacy, and leadership, you are shaping a healthier, more equitable future for all.
Happy #IWD2026.

[Women In Global Health Rwanda @WGHRwanda]

The launch aimed to build networking, promote local ownership, share key program and grant information, and reinforce multidisciplinary partnerships.

@WGHRwanda remains committed to building equitable and resilient health systems for all.

#UHC