Pema Kenya, a grassroots organization championing the rights and wellbeing of Gender and Sexual Minorities (GSM), is set to host a specialized 5-day training on poultry farming and enterprise management under the Leveraging Equality for Gender-Inclusive Economic Development (LEGEND) project supported by Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA). The workshop will run from August 25th to 29th, 2025 in Kwale. Bringing together 30 participants from the GSM community, to equip them with practical and technical skills to start, manage, and scale sustainable poultry farming businesses.

The workshop responds to a critical need: many GSM individuals face systemic barriers in formal employment and access to capital. As a result, self-employment in agriculture, particularly poultry farming, offers a viable path to financial independence and long-term economic security.

“This is not just a training—it’s an opportunity for our community members to take control of their financial futures,” said a Pema Kenya representative. “Poultry farming is a high-potential enterprise, and by providing targeted skills in business planning, animal husbandry, and market access, we aim to unlock that potential for GSM entrepreneurs.”

Participants will explore key areas such as poultry health management, cost-effective feeding practices, financial literacy, and business strategy development. In addition to technical training, the workshop will promote peer learning, mentorship, and linkages with markets and support organizations.

By the end of the workshop, attendees are expected to walk away with the skills and confidence to establish and run profitable poultry businesses, while contributing to a more inclusive and GSM-friendly agricultural economy.

This initiative is part of Pema Kenya’s broader mission to create enabling environments where gender and sexual minorities can thrive socially and economically.

RESPONSIBLE PERSONS:

1. Ominde Henry, Communications and Advocacy Assistant
2. Oluoch Oscar, Volunteer

Background Information

Despite progressive strides in human rights, Gender and Sexual Minority (GSM) persons in Kilifi County continue to face safety and security threats, including harassment, arbitrary arrests, and lack of legal redress. Civil society organizations (CSOs) and social justice centers have been central to providing support and documenting these violations, yet their efforts are often undermined by strained relationships with law enforcement. Bridging this gap is essential for advancing dignity, equity, and justice for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Pema Kenya recognizes that achieving meaningful change requires building mutual trust and collaborative frameworks between law enforcement and civil society actors. This week , Pema Kenya will  be convening a high-level workshop to advance this agenda through dialogue, joint planning, and co-creation of long-term solutions.

Goal of the workshop

To strengthen collaboration between law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations in Mombasa County to enhance the safety, dignity, and human rights of GSM persons.

Objectives of workshop

• To foster a shared understanding of the legal and safety challenges faced by GSM individuals in Kilifi County.
• To strengthen partnerships between CSOs, social justice centers, and law enforcement for a coordinated response to rights violations.
• To co-create a referral and redress mechanism that supports GSM persons facing violence or legal injustice.
• To introduce and integrate the safety and security directory as a collaborative tool to improve response, documentation and accountability of GSM-related safety cases

Methodology of Delivery

The high-level workshop will be held over two days in a physical format, bringing together key representatives from law enforcement, regional administration, CSOs, and social justice networks. Sessions will include group discussions, stakeholder mapping, case study reviews, and collaborative planning exercises

NEKESA WANDERA

Health promotion officer

The GSM community acknowledges the importance of having a violence free society in making the world a better place and believe that we have a crucial role to play as a community. It is crucial to be intentional on ensuring protection of all women in their diversity including the Lesbian, Bisexual and transgender women. We envision a world where no one is discriminated against, co-existence is promoted and holding each other accountable in ensuring dignity for all is a norm.

The killing of women and girls in all their diversity solely because of their gender is a heinous crime that must not be tolerated. We are deeply concerned by the escalating violence against women and girls and urge the government and all stakeholders to take urgent measures to protect their lives and rights. Femicide is a manifestation of systemic gender inequality and discrimination. Women and girls in Kenya face multiple forms of violence, including sexual abuse, domestic violence, and harmful cultural practices.

It is unacceptable that women and girls continue to live in fear of their lives. We cannot turn a blind eye to the violence they face. It is time for all of us to come together and say enough is enough. Pema Kenya calls on the government to Implement and enforce laws and policies aimed at preventing and responding to femicide while strengthening the criminal justice system to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and victims receive justice. We call upon the provision of adequate funding for all organization that work on or are women’s rights-led and shelters that offer support and protection to victims of violence and Implementation of comprehensive prevention programs that address the root causes of gender-based violence.

Pema Kenya also urges all community members to challenge and condemn all forms of gender-based violence, report any incidents of violence or threats against all women in their diversity and girls to the authorities, provide support and shelter to victims of violence and their families and advocate for the rights of women and girls and work towards creating a gender-equal society. Femicide is not inevitable; by working together, we can create a society where all women in their diversity and girls are safe, respected, and valued.
Pema Kenya stands in solidarity with all victims of femicide and their families. Let’s all come together in condemning femicide, sexual and gendered based violence, discrimination in all its forms, as we envision a violence free world.