Kigali, 26 June -  Youth representatives from all districts across Rwanda gathered in a Youth Forum to discuss strategies for preventing and ending teenage pregnancies, under the theme “Building a capable and safe family: Accelerating actions to prevent and end teenage pregnancy.”

The forum brought together youth representatives and stakeholders to strengthen awareness, promote collective responsibility, and identify practical solutions to address teenage pregnancy and protect children from sexual abuse.

In her remarks, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Consolée UWIMANA, emphasized that child defilement is not only a concern for the affected child or their family, but a challenge that requires the attention and commitment of the entire Rwandan society. She stressed that no child should be deprived of the opportunity to grow safely, pursue education, and achieve their dreams because of violence, exploitation, or abuse.

“Protecting children is a shared responsibility. Every child deserves to grow in a safe environment where their rights are respected and their potential is supported,” She said.

She called upon youth to protect themselves and their peers from behaviours and situations that may put them at risk, urging them to become active partners in preventing child sexual abuse, promoting responsible behaviour, and supporting their communities.

The Minister further encouraged local leaders to strengthen engagement with communities by raising awareness on child protection, preventing sexual violence, and promoting positive parenting, calling on the rwandan society to continue building a family environment that raises, protects, and promotes the wellbeing of every child.