WACHA stands as a community-centered entity dedicated to advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for all individuals. The organization is resolute in its commitment to addressing gender norms within health initiatives, with the aim of enhancing well-being in communities. Through engagement with young men and the challenging of traditional gender roles, WACHA endeavors to enhance access to reproductive health resources, foster gender equity, and counteract gender-based violence. Situated in Mombasa, Kenya, WACHA was founded in 2014 and is guided by activists championing the rights and well-being of Gender & Sexual Minorities (GSM) and persons marginalized.

Strategy:

WACHA's central strategy revolves around empowering individuals, particularly Gender & Sexual Minorities and the youth, to critically assess and transform societal norms and attitudes that impede sexual and reproductive health and rights. The organization strives to cultivate a more just and inclusive society that values gender parity, combats violence and upholds individuals' rights to informed decisions concerning their sexual and reproductive well-being.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Gender Norms and Health: WACHA actively engages with the intersections of gender norms and health initiatives to improve overall well-being within communities. The organization is dedicated to questioning conventional gender roles and attitudes, thereby raising young men's awareness of and support for their partners' reproductive health.

2. Reproductive Health: WACHA places emphasis on broadening young people’s accessibility to and utilization of reproductive health resources. This encompasses advocating for family planning, comprehensive sexuality education, and HIV prevention.

3. Gender Equity and Violence Prevention: The organization mobilizes young men to participate in the promotion of gender equity and the stance against gender-based violence. By fostering discussions with men about masculinity, risk-taking behaviors, and women's rights, WACHA contributes to the decrease of violence and the promotion of healthier gender dynamics.

4. Art and Narrative Change: WACHA acknowledges the influential role of art in shaping narratives and perceptions. The organization encourages audio-visual practitioners to intentionally create works that challenge detrimental stereotypes and amplify the voices of marginalized groups, including Gender & Sexual Minorities.

Activities and Impact:

Since its establishment in 2014, WACHA has executed a variety of programs targeting diverse groups of people, including young fathers, college students, and Gender and Sexual Minorities. These programs concentrate on HIV prevention, involving men in family life and Key Populations, and challenging negative gender norms through advocacy and lobbying. The organization employs peer-led models for raising awareness, generating demand for health services such as HIV testing and PrEP distribution, and reshaping negative narratives through art.

WACHA's efforts have contributed to heightened awareness, comprehension, and engagement of young men in the advancement of gender equality, reproductive health, and the prevention of gender-based violence. Additionally, the organization has created secure spaces for survivors of violence and extended support for their mental and physical well-being.

WACHA stands as a pioneering community-based organization firmly dedicated to advancing SRHR, confronting harmful gender norms, and championing gender equality. Through its inventive programs and peer-led methodologies, WACHA aspires to cultivate positive transformation within communities, empowering individuals to make well-informed choices about their health and well-being, all while advocating for a more comprehensive and equitable society.