The Policy Does Not Represent Me: Family Campaign

We leveraged the 16 Days of Activism 2024 as a strategic opportunity to spark a national conversation on inclusive family structures in Kenya. At the heart of the campaign was a bold commitment to challenge exclusionary policies and spotlight the lived realities of Adolescents and Young People (AYP) affected by GBV, HIV, and mental health concerns. The goal was to reshape public perception and influence national policy by amplifying the voices of families that defy conventional norms ensuring they are not only seen but represented in legal and social protection frameworks.

Beneficiaries

Our campaign directly empowered over 10 diverse family types, including queer families, PWD-led households, single parents, discordant couples, and street families. These stories were shared nationally, giving visibility to dozens of marginalized individuals and reaching millions through social and mainstream media. Through community engagement, the campaign fostered dialogue between GBV survivors, youth advocates, and policymakers, shifting mindsets and promoting safe, inclusive family environments.

Project design

The campaign was built on a multi-pronged, participatory approach:

Community documentation captured personal stories and family dynamics using photography and videography.
Story amplification leveraged social media influencers and national media to broadcast inclusive narratives, challenging harmful stereotypes.
A gallery showcase was hosted at Argyle Hotel Nairobi, bringing together survivors, lawmakers, and influencers to visually experience and discuss the stories.
Policy brief engagement targeted national and county leaders, aligning advocacy with legislative reviews of the Family Protection and Promotion Policy, 2023.
Strategic alliances were forged with CSOs like KELIN, KYPA, KEWOPA, and Usikimye, as well as with law enforcement and the media, to drive long-term change.

Impact

The campaign triggered a national shift in conversations about family, GBV, and inclusion:

Policy impact: Engaged over 7 policymakers (including MPs and senators) who committed to advocating for family policy reform.
Public discourse: Reached thousands via gallery events and millions online, catalyzing wide support and healthy debate on diversity in family.
Youth leadership: Demonstrated the power of young people to lead national advocacy, bringing fresh perspectives to GBV and health policy spaces.
Sustainable change: Established new networks with parliamentarians, GBV champions, and media allies, laying the groundwork for continued advocacy in future phases.

Programme Gallery

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