In parts of rural Kenya, cultural traditions often dictate who gets a voice and who does not.

For the Venerable Ayub, those traditions once meant believing that a woman’s place was in the kitchen and that children should remain silent.

But Ayub’s perspective has changed.

Thanks to training offered through the Anglican Church of Kenya, Mt Kenya West Diocese, Ayub began to see things differently. 

The program teaches clergy about children's rights and how to advocate for gender equality. It’s a model that allows real change to reach communities that are often overlooked.

Before the training, Ayub never considered that men and women could be equal. He didn’t believe his children had the right to express themselves. 

Now, he proudly supports his wife’s work, encourages his children to speak up, and has become a strong voice for women in leadership.

“We see Jesus lifting women on many occasions,” Ayub reflects.

Programs like this don’t just change minds, they help change communities. 

When clergy speak up, their message carries weight. It creates space for dialogue and opens the door to a future where dignity and respect are shared more equally.

Ayub’s journey is shaped by faith, guided by compassion, and made possible by those who believe change begins with listening, learning, and leading differently.

Initiatives mentioned in this article are part of the ‘Imarisha Maisha II’ program, which receives funding from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).