Engagement of “Soul Sistaz” in participatory action research: Insights for developing ICT-based SRHR platforms tailored for African adolescents

This article draws on participatory action research with adolescent girls in an urban informal settlement in Nairobi to explore how they engage with ICT-based sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) platforms and to highlight considerations for enhancing digital inclusion. Seven focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with 15 girls aged 10–17 years, complemented by 18 key informant interviews with SRHR platform implementers. Participatory methods such as journaling, vignettes, storytelling, transect walks, and interactive platform review were integrated into the FGDs. Using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis, the study analyzed adolescents’ experiences of four SRHR platforms designed for their age group (Iamfree2.com, Nia Teen Magazine, Shujaaz, and Love Matters). Findings reveal that adolescents’ engagement is shaped by age, language, literacy, interactivity, and mode of communication. Older girls valued interactive digital platforms and written content, while younger girls faced challenges due to limited literacy and digital skills, preferring simpler, relatable language mixing English, Kiswahili, and Sheng. Non-digital media such as magazines and comics were especially important in contexts of poor connectivity. It concludes that meaningful engagement of adolescents particularly younger girls who are often excluded from design processes is essential to ensure digital SRHR platforms are accessible, relevant, and transformative.