Who We Are
Redefining Equality, Nurturing Growth
Desire Youth Initiative (DYI) is a non-profit, women- and youth-led community-based organization committed to advancing equality, dignity, inclusion, and sustainable development within communities in Kilifi County and beyond.
Founded on the belief that every person has the potential to contribute to the development of their community, DYI works to create an enabling environment where women, girls, young people, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups can access opportunities, exercise their rights, and participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their lives.
Our work is rooted in the realities and aspirations of the communities we serve. We listen to communities, identify challenges and opportunities, and develop responsive programs and activities that address their specific needs. Through community outreach, capacity building, advocacy, partnerships, and practical interventions, we seek to strengthen individuals and communities while contributing to lasting social change.
Our Approach
At Desire Youth Initiative, we believe sustainable change is built with communities, not simply for communities.
We therefore work collaboratively with community members, government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, local leaders, and other stakeholders to strengthen solutions that are locally relevant and sustainable.
Our approach combines empowerment, advocacy, awareness creation, capacity strengthening, partnership, and community participation. We seek to ensure that the people most affected by social and economic challenges are not only beneficiaries of development but also active participants in shaping the solutions.
We are particularly committed to creating safe, inclusive, and equitable spaces where women and girls can speak up, young people can realize their potential, and vulnerable members of society can access the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
What We Stand For
DYI's work is guided by a commitment to gender equality, social justice, inclusion, human dignity, and community empowerment.
Our programs respond to issues affecting communities across social, economic, educational, health, and environmental dimensions. This includes work related to women's and girls' empowerment, youth development, sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence prevention, disability inclusion, climate and environmental action, education, and broader community development.
Our experience includes initiatives addressing sexual and gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health and rights, femicide prevention, environmental conservation, and community resilience, among other emerging needs identified within the communities we serve.
Who We Serve
Our membership and community engagement reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate. We work with people across different ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, and circumstances.
Our interventions place particular emphasis on groups that often experience greater barriers to opportunity, participation, and access to services, including:
- Women and girls
- Adolescents and young people
- Children and families
- Persons with disabilities
- Vulnerable and marginalized community members
- Community groups and grassroots organizations
We recognize that vulnerability is often shaped by multiple and interconnected factors. For this reason, our programs seek to respond to the specific circumstances of different groups while promoting inclusion and equal participation.
Working Through Partnership
We believe that meaningful community transformation cannot be achieved by one organization alone.
DYI therefore works with relevant government institutions, community structures, civil society organizations, development partners, professionals, volunteers, and other stakeholders to strengthen the reach and effectiveness of our work.
Through these partnerships, we bring together knowledge, resources, experience, and community perspectives to address complex challenges and create opportunities for sustainable impact.
Our Commitment to Community
We are committed to remaining responsive to the communities we serve.
This means continuously learning from community experiences, adapting our programs to changing needs, strengthening accountability, and seeking practical approaches that can produce meaningful and lasting results.
From empowering women and young people to promoting safer communities, advancing rights, strengthening health awareness, and protecting the environment, our work is ultimately about helping communities build a more equitable, inclusive, and resilient future.
Our Identity
At the heart of Desire Youth Initiative is a simple belief:
People should not be defined by the challenges they face but be empowered to become part of the change they want to see.
We bring together passion, community knowledge, partnerships, and action to turn that belief into practical change.
Dream. Build. Inspire.
Dream—envision communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Build—strengthen people, partnerships, and systems that make positive change possible.
Inspire—encourage individuals and communities to take action and create lasting impact.
Our Mission
To advance gender and social justice by preventing and mitigating rights violations and abuse for women and girls through equal access to opportunities and information.
Our Vision
A society that empowers women and girls and upholds and protects their fundamental rights and freedoms.
Our Core Values
- Ethics and Integrity
- Accountability
- Inclusivity
- Sustainability
- Teamwork
Our Objectives
Our Main Objective
To promote and protect the rights of women and girls by ensuring equitable access to opportunities, information, and justice, while working to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and discrimination.
Other objectives are
- To empower women and girls with knowledge and skills, hence reducing vulnerabilities to exploitation.
- To advocate for reforms that improve the quality of fundamental services to women and girls.
- To address cross-cutting sectors impacting women and girls.
Our Thematic Areas
1. Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights
We understand the importance of educating young people on Sexual Reproductive Health and rights. Our programs are designed to provide comprehensive education on this topic, empowering young people to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Through our programs, we aim to promote a safe and healthy lifestyle while equipping young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, Female genital mutilation, menstrual hygiene, HIV/AIDS and other related health risks.
2. Gender-based violence
We are dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Our programs focus on raising awareness and educating individuals about the critical issues surrounding gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. By providing the knowledge and tools necessary for making informed decisions, we aim to empower women and girls to protect themselves and others from harm. Our commitment to education ensures that the community is equipped with the resources they need to thrive and contribute to building a better future for their communities.
3. Peace and Security
In a world often marked by conflict and discord, our mission is to promote understanding, tolerance, and dialogue as powerful tools for resolving differences and building bridges between communities. We believe in addressing the root causes of violence, working towards social cohesion and fostering environments that encourage inclusivity and cooperation. Through education, outreach programs, and collaboration with like-minded organizations, we are committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated, and conflicts are resolved through peaceful means.
4. Economic Growth
Desire Youth Initiative, fervently champions for economic growth as a catalyst for positive change and prosperity. Our mission is grounded in the belief that robust economic development is pivotal for enhancing the quality of life and creating opportunities for women and girls. We strive to foster an environment that encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable business practices. Through strategic initiatives, partnerships, and advocacy, we work towards eliminating barriers to economic growth and promoting inclusive prosperity.
5. Climate Justice
Addressing climate change goes beyond environmental concerns; it is a matter of justice, equity, and the well-being of all communities. Our mission is to advocate for fair and equitable solutions that prioritize the most vulnerable populations affected by climate change. By fostering awareness, promoting sustainable practices, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, we strive to create a world where every individual, regardless of their background, can thrive in a sustainable and resilient environment.
Our Motto
Dream. Build. Inspire.
Our Executive Director
Word from Our Executive Director
“Desire Youth Initiative" sprung from the belief that nonprofit organizations and charitable institutions can effect real change in our fast-developing nation to improve the social conditions of our communities and share in the nation-building process taking place in Kilifi, Kenya, and out of our belief that women and girls deserve a decent standard of living, we feel strongly responsible and passionate that each one of us needs to contribute to building our country. It is no longer only the provenance of government or a few committed individuals, but a global responsibility shared by every member of the global society.
DYI embodies an optimistic vision of its role in the improvement of all aspects of life—social, economic, educational, and medical. Through the work of our dedicated and experienced board members, staff, and volunteers, we provide diversified social services to the community, aiming at a better life with better healthcare and improved education for those in need.
We will work toward finding the best solutions to every possible obstacle facing us in building a modern Kenyan Coastal society. It is a duty we will carry on for the sake of generations to come. On behalf of the Executive Board of DYI, we look forward to working with you and serving the community together.”
Ruweda Mohamed.