How to develop support for a movement when tackling controversial issues

We submitted the report to the minister of Justice to discuss why decriminalization was important as part of Rwanda ‘s constitution. We presented the issue and explained that it is not the result of Western influences, even explaining that someone who had never even taken a bus to a big city can be LGBTI. We prepared draft reports for the Geneva and African commissions with our findings so that they can be discussed by government institutions.

The Penal code provisions criminalizing LGBTI were removed. The penal code provisions seeking women to have a court order to get an abortion have been removed.  Female sex workers are now not criminalized, but their clients are. Rwanda has accepted to implement all recommendations from the CEDAW committee and have put in place commission to ensure implementation.

Dialogue with the government is important, and especially using language that the government understands. Individuals in governments are opposed to issues when they have no facts and understanding of issues. Once you design your campaign in line with national agenda and not just the international human rights agenda you will have more success.

• Use evidence from research and involve the government institutions.
• Learn how to adjust the language of your campaign to the national agenda.
• Endeavour very hard to get at a table and talk to those who are opposed to you, this can be done informally or formally. There must be a talking. Remember that everyone has the right to an opinion, even if they have a different opinion to you.
• Avoid divisions between ‘them’ and ‘us’. Create an environment for mutual discussion.