Twenty adolescents from all constituencies of Narok County came together for a transformative five-day training on Adolescent Reproductive Health Rights. The training marked the launch of the Adolescent Council, a youth-led platform dedicated to amplifying adolescent voices and driving positive change in their communities. Over the course of the week, participants gained vital knowledge and advocacy skills on gender equality, reproductive health, prevention of gender-based violence, and the fight against harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage.
While most participants embraced the discussions, one male teenager initially expressed a negative perception of women, highlighting the deeply rooted gender stereotypes that persist within communities: “I always thought women shouldn’t lead,” he expressed. However, after engaging in open dialogue and interactive sessions, his perspective shifted: “Now I see that women are just as capable as men, and we need to work together if we want to change harmful behaviours in our communities,” he admitted during the session.
Through guided discussions and group activities, the training challenged such beliefs, fostering understanding of the importance of working with both men and women to change harmful behaviours and achieve true gender equality.
This initiative also tackled the widespread misconception that adolescents lack opinions or decision-making power. In reality, as the training proved, young people are the true owners of their realities, capable of identifying issues that affect them and leading the charge for solutions.
More than just a council, this movement empowers young leaders to educate their peers, engage with local stakeholders, and advocate for policies that safeguard and advance adolescent health and rights.
At WeWorld, we believe that when adolescents are equipped with knowledge, skills, and a platform for their voices, they don’t just transform their futures - they transform entire communities. This initiative was made possible under the IMARA Project, which is taking root across the six constituencies of Narok County.
Building on this momentum, WeWorld, under the IMARA Project also successfully supported the establishment of four Sub-County Adolescent Councils alongside the newly launched County-level Adolescent Council, further strengthening youth-led advocacy structures and amplifying adolescent voices across Narok County. In total, 120 adolescents are now actively engaged in these councils, driving change within their communities.
The project seeks to address the significant challenges adolescents and women face in relation to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and their high risk of gender-based violence (GBV). With limited access to information, services, and education continuing to fuel inequalities, the IMARA Project works to raise awareness, enhance service delivery, and create a supportive community environment for adolescents and their families, ensuring a brighter and safer future for all.
