Art Takes Centre Stage in Kenya’s SRHR Conversations

In Kenya, artists are using creative performances to tackle difficult subjects such as sexual violence, incest and unwanted pregnancies. The Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health (TICAH) is behind this initiative, which aims to empower communities through information, cultural reflection and open conversations. Through its Art of Social Change initiative, TICAH brings together artists from different communities to tell stories about sexuality, culture and reproductive health. This programme is active in Western Kenya, Nanyuki and Maa communities.

The initiative seeks to challenge stigma and encourage survivors to seek help. TICAH Programme Officer Wangari Ireri says that art is a powerful tool for highlighting issues that are often ignored. Performances have highlighted rape, incest and sexual and gender-based violence, while challenging communities to examine whether their responses protect survivors. Ireri hopes that the performances will reduce sexual abuse and encourage survivors to speak out and seek assistance.

Many communities demonstrate empathy towards survivors but often lack information on the appropriate support and available options. Ireri points to unequal power relations that limit women’s ability to make independent decisions about their sexuality and reproductive health. The initiative therefore seeks to challenge stigma, improve access to information and encourage communities to question harmful cultural practices.

The programme has brought together creatives from various communities to explore how culture influences sexual and reproductive health decisions. Artists from Busia are using drama to challenge stigma and encourage survivors to seek help. Ireri says that part of the initiative is to empower communities so that they can independently make their own decisions.

Sexual violence, incest and unwanted pregnancies remain difficult subjects in many Kenyan communities, often hidden by stigma, cultural expectations and family silence. However, through art, TICAH hopes to turn stories once buried in silence into conversations that inspire accountability and social change. The message is that sexual violence should never be treated as a private family matter.

Survivors need protection, healthcare, psychosocial support and access to justice. The Art of Social Change initiative is creating platforms for artists from different communities to tell stories about sexuality, culture and reproductive health. Ireri says that art allows people to see things that they ignore and forces them to think about them.

The initiative is driven by a passion for telling impactful stories that inform, inspire, and amplify marginalized voices. By using creative performances, TICAH aims to address sexual and reproductive health and rights challenges in Kenya. The programme seeks to encourage communities to question harmful cultural practices and promote social change.

Key points

• The initiative uses art to address sexual violence, incest and reproductive health challenges in Kenya.
• The programme aims to empower communities through information, cultural reflection and open conversations.
• The initiative seeks to challenge stigma and encourage survivors to seek help.