Health Development Initiative (HDI) launched a training Program on June 30, in line with Policy Influencing and Evidence-based Advocacy that aims to support Civil Society Organizations in public policy advocacy.

The program aims at building the confidence, skills, capacity and strengths of CSOs to enable them to contribute effectively in influencing policies, law and advocacy.

The launch coincided with the graduation ceremony of over 100 participants from different CSOs, who were part of the pilot program receiving training for nine days on Policy Influencing and Evidence-based Advocacy.

In his remarks, the Executive Director at HDI, Dr. Aflodis Kagaba, appreciated the synergy between the CSOs involved in the training program and pointed out that building this network of trained advocates will help advance advocacy work even further and collectively. 

"We need to be at the forefront of finding and documenting evidence that can influence change in policies and laws so that we can continue serving the communities we advocate for. This will help us to continue fighting such that the rights of all people can be safeguarded and respected,” Kagaba said.

He said that there are numerous examples of policies and laws that have changed because CSOs dared to raise their voices on these issues. 

"From decriminalising sex work and the lives of the LGBT community, to a Ministerial Order that promotes safe abortion, we can still raise issues that are in our communities and together with other stakeholders, we can find solutions,” he said. 

He added that this program is seeking to strengthen CSOs skills, since policy making is the responsibility of the government. 

The Executive Director of Hope for Community Development Organization (HCDO), Jean Pierre Ndagijimana, said that the training was not only about advocacy but it also offered ways on how organisations can involve stakeholders, how to develop advocacy strategies, policy briefs and how to create spaces and engage local leaders.

Jenerese Kabarebe, who represented Collectif des Ligues et Associations de Défense des Droits de l'Homme au Rwanda (CLADHO), an Umbrella Human Rights Organisation, said that from the training, she learnt that a good reputation and credibility in society backs up advocacy work, and that perception is key. 

Betty Mpinganzima, from Human Right First, said that she learnt the process in which a bill is conceived until it becomes a law published in the national gazette