Religious leaders support people of disability individuals who experience unplanned pregnancies

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Religious leaders support people of disability individuals who experience unplanned pregnancies

During a training workshop in Kigali for people with hearing and speech impairments, The Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians — Rwanda chapter — addressed key issues like gender-based violence, defending rights, and sexual and reproductive health.

Background & Goals:
Rev. Dr. Nagaju Muke, head of the organization in Rwanda, explained that the training aims to help individuals with disabilities reconnect spiritually, as many feel isolated in religious communities due to communication barriers. Additionally, they struggle to access other services because of these same hurdles 

Communication & Healthcare Gaps:
Reverend Nagaju pointed out that these individuals often lack interpreters for sign language at state-run reproductive health clinics. They may have interpreters present, but concerns about privacy can prevent them from disclosing sensitive issues. As a result, some avoid seeking help altogether .

Consequences:
This communication breakdown leads to serious consequences. Many young women with disabilities have experienced unplanned pregnancies because they lack information on reproductive health. They are asking for advocacy and for their rights to be recognized just like others. They emphasize that disability itself isn't the problem—it's the societal barriers they face .

Social Stigma & Rights:
Rev. Nagaju added that people with disabilities are often unaware of their rights, excluded in families, and denied opportunities—like jobs—despite being capable. She urged government bodies and civil society to protect their rights .

Personal Testimony:
One participant shared her experience:

“A boy and I liked each other and he got me pregnant. When he realized I was pregnant, he denied it. He never contacted me again; his family spoke badly of me. I gave birth and raised the child alone while my family rejected me. Now the child is two years old.”

However, she said the training opened her eyes to fighting for her rights, and she plans to encourage others to do the same.

Organizational Support:
Tuyishimire Patrick, director of the association for people with hearing and speech disabilities, said the training helped participants learn about their rights and reproductive health. He plans to share this knowledge with others in their faith community. He also noted that training church leaders to instill Christian values helps empower individuals to respect themselves and protect their well-being

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