Rwanda has lowered the legal age for contraceptive use to 15. What's Next?

In this compelling episode, I sit down with Dr. Olivia Kabatesi, the Founder and Country Director of Empower Rwanda, to unpack one of the most groundbreaking health reforms in Rwanda’s recent history, the new law that allows girls aged 15 and above to access contraception and other essential health services without parental consent. Dr. Kabatesi, a fierce advocate for women’s health and girls' rights, explains why this law is a game-changer for adolescent girls, how it could help dramatically reduce teenage pregnancies, and what it truly means for reproductive freedom in a culturally complex society. We also discuss the public backlash, cultural resistance, and how Empower Rwanda is preparing girls to make informed, responsible choices under this new policy.