We Are Because I Am (WABIA Project) – Homabay, Migori, and Kisumu Counties (2023)
The We Are Because I Am (WABIA) Project reflects AYAN Kenya’s commitment to building supportive, youth-centered environments where adolescents can access the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services they need to thrive. Implemented in Homabay, Migori, and Kisumu Counties in 2023, the project addressed the often-sensitive issue of adolescent SRHR by creating safe spaces for dialogue, strengthening community support, and empowering adolescents to make informed choices about their health and futures.
WABIA recognized that many adolescents face stigma, misinformation, and barriers when seeking SRHR services. To counter this, the project trained Youth Peer Providers (YPPs) who acted as trusted messengers and service linkages for their peers. It also promoted community dialogues to foster openness, challenge harmful norms, and strengthen intergenerational support systems for young people.
Our Approach
Youth Peer Providers: Trained and supported adolescents to serve as advocates and connectors to youth-friendly SRHR services.
Community Dialogues: Engaged parents, caregivers, health workers, and local leaders in open discussions to build community ownership of adolescent SRHR.
Service Linkages: Facilitated direct access to adolescent-friendly SRHR services, including contraception and post-abortion care (PAC).
Rights-Based Approach: Promoted the right of every adolescent to access confidential, stigma-free, and quality SRHR information and services.
Key Highlights (2023)
Safe Spaces Established: Adolescents gained access to youth-friendly environments where they could seek information and support.
Increased Access to Services: Dozens of adolescents were directly linked to SRHR services, including 30 PAC and TOP cases supported across the three counties.
Community Engagement: Dialogue sessions helped reduce stigma around adolescent SRHR and fostered stronger community support networks.
Youth Leadership Strengthened: Peer providers became central in shaping how adolescents in their communities access and use SRHR services.
Why This Project Matters
Adolescents are at the heart of Kenya’s future, yet they remain one of the most underserved groups in terms of SRHR. The WABIA Project demonstrated that when adolescents are given a voice and supported by their communities, they can make informed, responsible, and empowered decisions about their health.
Through WABIA, AYAN Kenya created youth-driven pathways to SRHR, breaking taboos, reducing stigma, and ensuring that adolescents in Homabay, Migori, and Kisumu counties can access the care and support they deserve. The ongoing impact assessment will provide valuable insights into how youth-led models can be scaled for greater reach and sustainability.