Intersections of age, gender, and power in intergenerational dialogues addressing adolescents' and young people's sexual and reproductive health and rights: a qualitative study from Kenya

Conversations between adolescents, young people, and adults about sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are often constrained by age hierarchies, gender norms, and social taboos. While intergenerational dialogue is increasingly promoted to strengthen SRHR, little is known about how such approaches might address sensitive topics in diverse socio-cultural contexts. This qualitative study examines how age, gender, and power shape intergenerational SRHR dialogues in urban Nairobi and rural Tharaka-Nithi, Kenya. Drawing on observations, group discussions, and in-depth interviews with 131 participants, the study analyses everyday communication dynamics alongside structured dialogue processes. Findings show that fear, moral surveillance, intergenerational disconnect, and gendered expectations limit young people's SRHR communication and agency. However, well-facilitated dialogues can legitimise SRHR discussions, foster empathy, and strengthen youth agency and collective action. Sustained investment in safe and power-sensitive facilitation, inclusion and continuity is required to translate dialogic openings on SRHR into durable change.