At AYAN Kenya, our work is grounded in approaches that are inclusive, transformative, and responsive to the realities of the communities we serve. We recognize that lasting impact requires more than single-issue interventionsāit requires holistic strategies that address multiple layers of inequality and exclusion. Our approaches are designed to ensure that our programs are effective, sustainable, and truly responsive to diverse needs.
Intersectionality Approach~
AYAN Kenya recognizes that young people, especially adolescents, young women, persons with disabilities, and sexual and gender minorities (SGM), face overlapping and interconnected forms of discrimination. Our work embraces an intersectional lens that brings together issues of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender, disability inclusion, and social justice. By addressing these issues collectively rather than in isolation, we maximize impact and create more inclusive solutions that reflect the lived realities of our communities.
Feminist Approach
Our work is rooted in feminism, which drives us to amplify the voices of adolescents, young women, SGM persons in all their diversity, and others who experience marginalization. We champion empowerment, agency, and leadership for these groups, ensuring they are not just beneficiaries but active decision-makers in shaping programs and policies. This approach challenges harmful gender norms, dismantles systems of oppression, and builds collective power for equity and justice.
Evidence-Based Approach
We design and implement our programs using a combination of critical thinking, data, and lived experiences from the communities we serve. Our strategies are informed by community conversations, participatory research, and real-life experiences, ensuring that interventions are grounded in reality and can respond effectively to emerging needs. By integrating monitoring, evaluation, and learning into all our initiatives, we continuously adapt and strengthen our work for greater impact.
Human Rights Approach
AYAN Kenya is committed to advancing human rights as the foundation of all our interventions. We believe that all individuals, regardless of gender, disability, identity, or status, are entitled to health, dignity, and equality. Our programs work with both duty bearers and rights holders to prohibit, prevent, and eliminate discrimination, ensuring that rights are not only recognized but fully realized.
Disability Inclusion
We are intentional about mainstreaming disability inclusion across all our interventions. We recognize that young people with disabilities face unique barriers in accessing SRHR, healthcare, education, and opportunities for participation. Our programs are designed to be inclusive, accessible, and representative, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of health, rights, and justice.
Climate Justice and SRHR
AYAN Kenya acknowledges the link between climate change and SRHR, particularly how environmental crises disproportionately affect women, young people, and marginalized communities. We integrate climate resilience into our SRHR work by addressing the vulnerabilities created by climate-related disasters, ensuring access to health and protection systems, and strengthening community preparedness. By connecting climate justice with health and rights, we create more sustainable and resilient communities.
Health Systems Strengthening
We believe that strong health systems are essential for achieving universal access to SRHR. AYAN Kenya works with communities, health facilities, and government actors to strengthen service delivery, accountability, and responsiveness. Our efforts include building capacity among health workers, integrating youth-friendly services, and advocating for policy reforms that make health systems more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.