On April 11, 2025, Medical Doctors for Choice (MDFC) hosted a delegation from Denmark-YEAMG (Youth Education Activities on Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health) as part of their ongoing partnership with MEDSAR Rwanda. The visit aimed to foster dialogue and explore collaborative strategies to address gender-based violence (GBV) and promote mental health among youth.
Objectives:
- To strengthen the partnership between MDFC, MEDSAR, and YEAMG.
- To share insights and progress on youth-led initiatives addressing GBV and mental health.
- To explore opportunities for future collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Key Outcomes:
Participants shared a diverse range of approaches used across regions to prevent and respond to GBV, highlighting community-based strategies, legal frameworks, survivor-centered care, and youth-driven advocacy. This exchange fostered a deeper understanding of what works in different contexts, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive and evidence-based interventions.
Through real-life examples, discussions, and lived experiences, the dialogue shed light on how youth-led initiatives are uniquely positioned to dismantle stigma, promote peer-to-peer support, and design inclusive mental health solutions.
The gathering concluded with a strong, shared commitment to move beyond one-off initiatives and toward structured, long-term collaboration. YEAMG, MEDSAR, and MDFC agreed to coordinate efforts through joint campaigns, cross-organizational training, and shared platforms to amplify youth voices on SRHR, mental health, and GBV.