Terms of Reference

Consultancy services to develop a policy brief which will inform policy and decision makers on policy development that provide an opportunity to advance issues of national guidelines that inform menstrual sanitary products accessibility and affordability.     

Organization Background 

Established in 1999, IMRO Rwanda is a legally recognized NGO operating under legal personality No 03/11. With 23 years of history, IMRO focuses on various initiatives such as Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Poverty Alleviation, Gender Equality, Nutrition, Gender-Based Violence, HIV, Education, Environment, Peace Building, Health Promotion, Advocacy, and Networking. IMRO has been a pioneer in SRHR, conducting impactful interventions, training media professionals, empowering SRHR Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and breaking barriers on safe abortion. The organization is committed to policy advocacy, engaging with national authorities, and actively participating in regional and global networks. IMRO's affiliations with various organizations reflect its dedication to collaborative efforts for broader health goals.

Background of the Activity

There is a prevalent challenge in Rwanda which centers around insufficient accessibility and affordability of menstrual sanitary products, particularly impacting the well-being of women and Girls (at least 20% of school girls in Rwanda miss up to 50 days of school per year, Aime & Pugalenthi,2020/World Bank Reports). Disparities in access present formidable obstacles for marginalized communities, impeding their health and active participation in various facets of life, including education. Compounding the issue is the absence of specific national guidelines, amplifying the urgency for Rwanda to adopt comprehensive policies. These policies will ensure the affordability and ready availability of menstrual sanitary products for all individuals, irrespective of demographic or socioeconomic status. This challenge underscores the critical importance of addressing menstrual hygiene as a fundamental aspect of women's health and rights within the country.

This policy brief seeks to address the pressing issue by informing and guiding policymakers towards the development of inclusive policies and proactive measures. The overarching goal is to safeguard the well-being of all Rwandan citizens, emphasizing the unique impact of menstrual hygiene on the health and overall quality of life for women and girls, including their ability to attend school without disruption. At its core, this policy brief aims to address the critical issue of menstrual sanitary products' accessibility and affordability for women and girls through the development of national guidelines. Through a meticulous assessment of the current state of accessibility, the brief aims to identify challenges faced by different demographics. Moreover, it endeavors to propose practical policy recommendations that can effectively advance this crucial aspect of women's and girls' health and rights in Rwanda. By recognizing the impact of menstrual hygiene and advocating for informed policies, this initiative strives to contribute to a more equitable and supportive environment for women and girls in Rwanda.

Overall Objective of the Assignment:

The overall objective of this assignment is to strategically target the issue of insufficient accessibility and affordability of menstrual sanitary products for women and girls in Rwanda, aiming to inform policymakers and shape national guidelines and regulations. It will cleverly underscore the profound impact of menstrual hygiene on health and education, seeking to identify specific challenges and propose practical policy and regulation solutions. The ultimate goal is to position Rwanda as a leader in advocating for gender-specific health needs through inclusive policies and regulations, contributing to the well-being of its female citizens.

Responsibilities and Deliverables of the Consultant:

• Inception report,
• Desk Review and Analysis of the international, regional and national policies, laws, regulations, Strategic & Operation Plans, guidelines and other relevant instruments on SRHR regarding to affordability and accessibility of menstrual sanitary products in Rwanda,
• Policy Brief Development,
• Presentation of findings to the Policy Brief for further inputs,
• Validation of the Policy Brief,
• Elaboration of the final report and dissemination of the Policy Brief. 

Qualifications of the Consultant

The consultant must have:

• 5+ Years Experience and expertise in Public Health and SRH/Menstrual Hygiene
• Policy Development and Advocacy Skills
• Multidisciplinary Approach and Collaboration
• Experience in Policy makers’ Engagement and Community Involvement
• Strong communication and report-writing skills. 

Duration of the Assignment and Expected Starting Date:

The assignment is expected to start immediately after notification of the selected consultant.

Submission of Proposal:

Interested consultants should submit their proposals (Technical and Financial Proposal) in a properly sealed envelope bearing the name of the Consultant or Consultancy firm and ensure acknowledgement of receipt.

Other documents to submit are; a detailed CV/ Profile of the firm, proof of past similar assignments, work plan schedule, and any other relevant documentation; prepared in English, to be submitted to the Headquarters of the IMRO Rwanda KG 40 St-Gasabo- Kigali Katweli Building 2nd Floor not later than February 16^th, 2024, 10:00 am Kigali local time and the opening will be at 3:00PM at IMRO conference room. Successful applicant will be notified within 3 days.

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