Using Human Centred Design to Engage Men and Boys in Ending Harmful Practices among the Kuria Community in Kenya: Lessons from the Power to You(th) Project

Abstract

Migori County, particularly the Kuria Community, continues to experience persistently high rates of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) and deeply rooted patriarchal norms that limit progress towards gender equality. Despite Kenya’s robust legal and policy frameworks, harmful practices remain widespread due to entrenched cultural beliefs, cross-border cutting and limited engagement of men who hold significant influence in community decision-making. This paper documents the application of a Human Centred Design (HCD) innovation pilot implemented under the Power to You(th) (PtY) Project to co-create culturally grounded interventions that reposition adolescent boys, young men and male elders as catalysts for a positive change. Implemented between May 2023 and January 2025 in Kuria East and Kuria West, the HCD process involved participatory research, co-creation workshops, prototyping, testing and piloting two male engagement models- the Positive Masculinity Program and the Kuria Intergenerational Assembly. The intervention reached over 900 participants through debates, film sessions and structured dialogues. Findings indicate meaningful shifts in awareness, attitudes and behaviours among young boys and men, including increased reporting of FGM cases, emergence of male champions, reduced stigma and harassment of uncut girls, strengthened accountability among duty bearers, and growing acceptance of marrying uncut women. Elders and faith leaders became vocal advocates against FGM/SGBV, while schools integrated discussions on masculinity and gender equality into their programs. The interventions were found to be highly desirable, feasible and viable due to strong community ownership, use of local facilitators, strategic timing and the integration of social-behavioural models. Key lessons highlight the need for culturally sensitive approaches, sustained engagement, involvement of male gatekeepers and continuous learning and feedback loops.  Overall, the findings demonstrate that when men are given safe, participatory spaces to critique norms, they become allies in protecting girls’ rights.  This paper demonstrates that HCD is an effective and adaptable approach for developing culturally grounded male engagement models that promote gender-equitable transformation in high-prevalence contexts. The model shows strong potential for replication in similar settings where cultural norms heavily influence gender dynamics.