Desire youth intiative

Desire youth intiative Youth and Women lead organisation tackling GBV, SRHR, P-CVE, Economic growth and Climate justice

What happens when men stop being spectators in the fight against gender-based violence and start asking what they can ch...
17/08/2026

What happens when men stop being spectators in the fight against gender-based violence and start asking what they can change?

At the third Male Sensitisation Forum on Gender-Based Violence, held in Kitengwani, Ganze Sub-County, men engaged in open discussions on the realities that continue to shape violence in families and communities.

The conversation explored: unequal power, harmful traditions, early and forced marriages, child labour, alcohol abuse, peer pressure, poverty and limited access to opportunities and how these factors can contribute to vulnerability and violence.

Participants also examined consent, the Sexual Offences Act and the Penal Code, while raising important questions around reporting, accountability, corruption and the protection of witnesses from intimidation or retaliation.

But awareness alone is not enough.

Preventing GBV requires challenging harmful norms, respecting consent, supporting survivors and speaking up when violence is normalised or ignored.

Because lasting change does not begin when a case reaches a courtroom. It begins with the choices we make in our homes, relationships and communities every day.

Implemented by Desire Youth Initiative with support from the Women’s Rights Fund from Oxfam Kenya.

In Petanguo, Ganze Sub-County, we convened an Intergenerational Dialogue that brought together young people, parents, el...
11/08/2026

In Petanguo, Ganze Sub-County, we convened an Intergenerational Dialogue that brought together young people, parents, elders and persons with disabilities to openly discuss the realities of gender-based violence and the beliefs, practices and systems that allow it to persist.

Participants reflected on issues ranging from harmful cultural practices and barriers to girls' education to sexual violence affecting boys, women and persons with disabilities forms of violence that often remain hidden because of stigma, fear and silence.

The dialogue challenged victim blaming and encouraged participants to look at practical ways communities can prevent GBV, including strengthening family communication, promoting inclusive community education, improving survivor support and creating safer reporting mechanisms.

The conversations reinforced an important message: "preventing GBV is a collective responsibility, and every generation has a role to play."

The dialogue was convened by Desire Youth Initiative with support from Oxfam Kenya under the Nuru Project.

Good policies are built through collaboration, evidence and the voices of the people they are designed to serve.We were ...
03/08/2026

Good policies are built through collaboration, evidence and the voices of the people they are designed to serve.

We were pleased to participate in a two-day stakeholder workshop to review the Adolescent and Young People (AYP) Health Strategy and the Kilifi County Sexuality Education Guide alongside civil society organizations, county government representatives and other key stakeholders.

The consultative process provided an opportunity to strengthen these guiding documents by ensuring they respond to the lived experiences, challenges and aspirations of adolescents and young people aged 10–24 years in Kilifi County.

We appreciate the collective commitment demonstrated throughout the review process and look forward to the finalization of these frameworks, which have the potential to strengthen adolescent health, wellbeing and access to accurate, age-appropriate information across the county.

When young people realities inform policy, stronger and more responsive systems become possible.

Ending Gender Based Violence requires everyone at the table. Men and boys are not just part of the conversation they are...
30/07/2026

Ending Gender Based Violence requires everyone at the table. Men and boys are not just part of the conversation they are part of the solution.

On 29th July 2026, Desire Youth Initiative convened a Male Sensitisation Dialogue in Ganze Sub-County after identifying knowledge gaps among men on consent, the Sexual Offences Act and relevant provisions of the Penal Code during our initial implementation.

The dialogue created a safe space for participants to openly discuss the drivers of Gender-Based Violence within their communities, including harmful gender norms, alcohol and substance abuse, unemployment, poverty, early marriage and family conflict. Together, participants also explored practical solutions such as promoting positive masculinity, shared family responsibility, respect for consent and stronger community accountability.

At Desire Youth Initiative, we believe that preventing GBV requires engaging men as informed allies who can challenge harmful norms and contribute to safer, more equitable communities.

We thank everyone who participated and shared their experiences and perspectives.

This activity was implemented by Desire Youth Initiative with support from Oxfam .

Young people are increasingly using digital platforms for learning, working and entrepreneurship. However, without the r...
28/07/2026

Young people are increasingly using digital platforms for learning, working and entrepreneurship. However, without the right knowledge and skills, they can also face risks such as technology facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), online exploitation and digital fraud.

Through a GBV Maskani Dialogue in Jaribuni Ward, Ganze Sub-County, Desire Youth Initiative brought together young women and men to discuss digital safety, responsible online behaviour and the opportunities available in the digital economy. Participants also explored digital freelancing, identifying genuine online opportunities and protecting themselves from scams.

By promoting safer digital spaces and empowering young people with practical knowledge, we are helping build communities where everyone can participate confidently in the digital world.

This activity was implemented by Desire Youth Initiative with support from Oxfam under the Nuru Project.

Communities play a vital role in preventing election related violence by identifying risks early and working together to...
24/07/2026

Communities play a vital role in preventing election related violence by identifying risks early and working together to find lasting solutions.

On 22nd July 2026, we joined community members and stakeholders at Mwangaza Children's Home in Kilifi for a community dialogue exploring the factors that contribute to electoral unrest, with a focus on Gender Based Violence (GBV). Discussions highlighted the impact of youth unemployment, drug and substance abuse, tribalism, hate speech, misinformation and weakened social support systems on peace and security during elections.

The dialogue emphasized practical solutions, including empowering youth as peace champions, promoting responsible leadership, strengthening social cohesion and creating economic opportunities that reduce vulnerability to violence.

We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation, convened with the support of Peace Brigades International - Kenya Project Brigades International (PBI Kenya), as part of ongoing efforts to promote peaceful, inclusive, and violence-free elections.

During an Intergenerational Dialogue in Palakumi, Ganze Sub-County, we brought together young people, elders, women, men...
22/07/2026

During an Intergenerational Dialogue in Palakumi, Ganze Sub-County, we brought together young people, elders, women, men and persons with disabilities to discuss how gender-based violence affects their community and explore practical ways to prevent it.

The dialogue created space for honest conversations on intimate partner violence, sexual exploitation, harmful cultural practices, survivor support and the collective responsibility of protecting women and girls. Participants also identified important knowledge gaps around recognising intimate partner violence, accessing reporting pathways and understanding survivor protection mechanisms, highlighting the need for continued community awareness and engagement.

Building safer communities begins with informed conversations, shared responsibility and sustained local action.

We appreciate the support ofOxfam in making this community engagement possible.

Building peaceful and inclusive communities requires more than good intentions it requires collaboration, shared learnin...
21/07/2026

Building peaceful and inclusive communities requires more than good intentions it requires collaboration, shared learning and meaningful participation.

Yesterday, we joined fellow stakeholders at the IMARISHA Project Inception Meeting, a significant step towards strengthening women's leadership in peace and security, promoting inclusive governance and supporting community led approaches to conflict prevention ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

The discussions reinforced the importance of partnerships, coordinated action and ensuring that women, young people and marginalized groups have meaningful opportunities to influence decisions that shape their communities.

We remain committed to contributing to collective efforts that advance peace, resilience and inclusive development for all.

The digital world offers young people endless opportunities to learn, connect, innovate and earn a living. However, with...
20/07/2026

The digital world offers young people endless opportunities to learn, connect, innovate and earn a living. However, without the knowledge to navigate online spaces safely, these opportunities can be overshadowed by technology facilitated gender-based violence and other digital risks.

Desire Youth Initiative convened a Technology Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) Dialogue in Ganze Sub-County to build young people's awareness of digital safety, cybersecurity, online privacy, data protection and responsible internet use.

Participants also explored digital freelancing opportunities, demonstrating how technology can be used not only safely but also as a pathway to economic empowerment.

By strengthening knowledge and encouraging informed digital practices, the dialogue empowered participants to recognize online abuse, protect their personal information and confidently engage in digital spaces.

With support from Oxfam ,we remain committed to promoting safe, inclusive and empowering digital environments for young people.

Knowledge becomes meaningful when it empowers people to shape the decisions, systems and conversations that affect their...
20/07/2026

Knowledge becomes meaningful when it empowers people to shape the decisions, systems and conversations that affect their lives.

In Kibarani Ward, Desire Youth Initiative convened an inclusive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Dialogue, bringing together opportunity youth, young mothers, women and persons with disabilities to strengthen their understanding of reproductive health, family planning, sexually transmitted infections and the legal and policy frameworks that protect SRHR.

The dialogue challenged common myths and misconceptions that often prevent people from accessing accurate information and essential health services. Through open discussions and practical learning, participants strengthened their understanding of their rights, available SRHR services and the importance of making informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

Beyond building knowledge, the dialogue encouraged participants to become advocates for change by promoting accurate SRHR information, challenging stigma and contributing to conversations that advance sexual and reproductive health and rights within their communities.

We sincerely appreciate Swahilipot Hub for their support in making this dialogue possible.

Address

620
Kilifi
80108

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 13:00

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+254748445130

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