In 2022, Azani Ngumbao Thoya, a passionate human rights defender from Kilifi County, took a bold step to strengthen his impact by joining the Defenders Coalition’s Human Rights Defenders (HRD) Academy. With a heart dedicated to protecting girl child rights, combating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and promoting sexual reproductive health education, Azani sought to make a deeper difference in his community—and he has.

Azani’s journey as a defender has always been fueled by a desire to uplift those most vulnerable, but the HRD Academy equipped him with the tools to do so more effectively. The training on physical and digital security for human rights defenders gave him the confidence to navigate the challenging environment in which he works, while the lessons on resource mobilization helped him turn his ideas into action. 

One of the most impactful initiatives Azani has launched since the academy is the “Young Women Symposium.” Held in both 2023 and 2024, the symposium brings together young women from Kilifi County to educate them about their rights and create a safe, empowering space for them to share their experiences. “Seeing these young women realize their strength and rights has been incredible,” Azani shares. “They’re not just learning—they’re going back into their communities and advocating for themselves and others.”

But Azani’s vision didn’t stop there. Understanding the importance of economic empowerment, he successfully mobilized resources to launch the “Kilifi Youth in Technology” program, where young people in Kilifi learn valuable digital skills that connect them to international markets. Through this initiative, local youth are gaining employable skills, securing opportunities, and building brighter futures for themselves. “It’s been amazing to see young people here not only learning new skills but also realizing that they can compete on a global level,” Azani says.

The networks Azani built during the HRD Academy have been another key to his success. With these connections, he’s been able to collaborate on various advocacy campaigns, including the planning of  World Mangrove Day in Kilifi, focusing on the intersection of environmental protection and human rights.

Despite the progress, Azani faces challenges—among them, securing funding for grassroots human rights work. “The need is there, the passion is there, but without financial support, it’s hard to scale up and reach as many people as we need to,” he explains. He hopes that with increased resources, defenders like himself can expand their efforts and continue making a meaningful impact.

Azani Ngumbao Thoya’s dedication, combined with the skills he gained from the HRD Academy, is creating real change in Kilifi. His work is empowering young women, equipping youth with the skills they need to succeed, and advocating for a safer, more just society. Through his relentless efforts, Azani is building a community where rights are known, voices are heard, and opportunities are within reach for all.