OUR HEALTH, OUR RIGHTS

Afya Yetu, Haki Yetu is a 6-month community-led project implemented in Kisumu County supported by Catalysts Africa to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), with a focus on safe abortion care, bodily autonomy, and reproductive justice. The program works with adolescent girls, youth, and women aged 15–35 years, particularly in rural, peri-urban, and informal settlements where access to accurate SRHR information and services remains limited.

Using creative and participatory approaches, the project challenges stigma, dispels myths, and encourages open, informed conversations around abortion and SRHR. Through collective action and community ownership, we aim to create lasting social change and healthier, more informed communities in Kisumu County.

• Community SRHR festivals and peer-led women and youth hangouts
• Grassroots forums and policy dialogues
• Photo voice storytelling and participatory community engagement
• Healthcare provider training and community leader engagement
• Policy advocacy with County Department of Health and policymakers
• Access to safe, legal, and non-discriminatory SRHR services

SAWA PROJECT

Strengthening Action and Women Agency (SAWA) is a youth- and women-led initiative implemented by Dreams Redefined Community-Based Organization to advance young women's leadership, agency, and participation in governance in Kisumu County, Kenya. The project is supported by the AU–EU Youth Voices Lab in partnership with Restless Development.

SAWA responds to the persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership and decision-making spaces. Through a holistic and intersectional approach, the project equips young women with the skills, knowledge, confidence, and networks needed to actively participate in and influence governance processes at community and county levels. SAWA directly supports a cohort of 60 young women, while engaging government actors, civil society organizations, and community leaders to foster an enabling environment for gender-responsive and inclusive governance.

• Leadership and governance training for young women aged 15–35
• Mentorship, peer learning, and confidence-building networks
• Economic empowerment and civic engagement initiatives
• Community dialogues and stakeholder engagement
• Advocacy for gender-responsive policy and decision-making
• Combating gender-based and technology-facilitated violence barriers

EMPOWER HER SRHR SAFESPACE FORUMS

Safe, inclusive spaces where women and girls can freely discuss Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) without stigma or judgment. These forums provide education, peer support, and resources to help women make informed decisions about their bodies and health.

• Safe spaces for open SRHR dialogue and discussion
• Comprehensive sexuality education and awareness
• Access to reproductive health information and services
• Peer mentorship and support networks

NYALENDA PERIOD FESTIVAL

A groundbreaking community celebration that breaks the silence around menstruation, promotes menstrual health awareness, and provides access to menstrual hygiene products. This festival creates a positive, stigma-free environment to discuss periods openly and celebrate menstrual dignity.

• Menstrual health education and myth-busting
• Distribution of menstrual hygiene products
• Breaking stigma through community celebration
• Supporting girls to stay in school during periods

ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS DIALOGUES

Community dialogues and interventions aimed at preventing and addressing gender-based violence. We facilitate open conversations about violence against women and girls, challenge harmful norms, and create support systems for survivors while engaging men and boys as allies in ending violence.

• Community dialogues on gender-based violence prevention
• Male engagement and positive masculinity programs
• Survivor support and referral pathways
• Advocacy for policy change and justice systems

AFYAZINGIRA REUSABLE PADS

"Protect Health" - An innovative program providing high-quality, locally-made reusable sanitary pads to women and girls. We combine menstrual health education with sustainable solutions, ensuring menstrual dignity while promoting environmental conservation and economic empowerment through local production.

• Production and distribution of eco-friendly reusable pads
• Menstrual hygiene management training
• Local employment through pad manufacturing
• Reducing environmental impact and costs