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The Elewa Programme

Elewa: Strengthening Sex-Positive and Pleasure-Based Sexuality Education in Kenya

Elewa is a pioneering initiative supported by Riksförbundet för Sexuell Upplysning (the Swedish Association for Sexuality Education). that equips facilitators and SRHR actors with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver sex-positive and pleasure-based Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in Kenya. The project directly responds to gaps in the way sexuality education is taught—where sex is often framed negatively, and topics like pleasure, contraception, sexual diversity, and agency are left out or superficially addressed.

At its core, Elewa seeks to shift the narrative from fear, stigma, and taboo to one that acknowledges sexuality as a natural, healthy, and joyful part of life. By placing pleasure at the center of sexual health programming, Elewa empowers young people to make safer, healthier, and more fulfilling choices.

The project is spearheaded by the Kenya SRHR Alliance, a coalition of nineteen civil society organizations with over 25 years of collective experience in advancing the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people and marginalized groups. The Alliance brings together women-led, youth-led, and youth-serving organizations that are known for their innovative approaches in programming, advocacy, and movement building.

Objectives of Elewa

  1. Build the capacity of SRHR Alliance partners and CSE facilitators on sex-positive and pleasure-based CSE.

  2. Monitor and document progress, including shifts in attitudes and skills among CSE facilitators.

  3. Shape national and community conversations to normalize sex-positive and pleasure-based sexuality education.

 Elewa is a bold step toward reimagining sexuality education in Kenya, centering young people’s realities and affirming their right to experience sexuality with dignity, safety, and joy.

Our Approach

Elewa has a 3 step approach that we use to realize change.

Phase 1: Train SRHR Alliance partners and CSE facilitators in Nairobi and Kisumu Counties using the Pleasure Training Manual. 

Phase 2: Provide ongoing support, refresher sessions, and document best practices and attitude shifts

Phase 3: Influence national and community-level discourse by co-creating messages, developing IEC materials, and engaging media and intergenerational dialogues.

Anticipated Results

  • A strong network of empowered CSE facilitators confident in delivering pleasure-based education.

  • Improved SRHR messaging that emphasizes respect, safety, and enjoyment rather than fear.

  • Greater public and community support for inclusive, empowering CSE.

  • Coordinated advocacy from Alliance partners championing pleasure as a core part of SRHR.