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.

In a pivotal meeting held in Nakuru in September, Pema Kenya, through the Key Population Consortium, made a significant presentation showcasing its Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) initiatives in Kenya. This presentation highlighted the comprehensive and impactful CLM process facilitated by Pema Kenya, which includes a five-day Setting The Levels (STL) workshop, followed by data collection through the innovative Ma’box platform. This is then followed by a five-day data analysis and the A Better Place (ABP) conversation aimed at promoting quality improvement and advocacy for the community.
Pema Kenya emphasized the essential role that communities play in monitoring the services that most directly affect them. We strongly defended the independence of these communities to assess and hold accountable the service providers and duty bearers responsible for their well-being. The presentation was particularly timely as the country is in the final stages of drafting the National CLM Framework and its associated indicators.

In its presentation, Pema Kenya demonstrated how the iMAQI model, while unique in its design, aligns seamlessly with the national CLM framework. The model integrates both qualitative and quantitative data, specifically focusing on key populations such as LBQ women, GBMSM, transgender, and intersex individuals. Through this approach, Pema Kenya with Bondo partners, Nyimine Empowerment Community Based Organization (NYECBO), has made significant strides in advancing the iMAQI CLM model for Key Populations in Kenya.

The presentation was well-received by the representatives from UNAIDS, PEPFAR, AMREF, and the Global Fund, who were deeply impressed by the iMAQI model’s robustness and adaptability. As a result, the iMAQI model, along with the Ma’box platform, was proposed to be annexed into the National CLM Framework as a recognized approach for community-led monitoring in Kenya. Furthermore, there are discussions about adopting some of the iMAQI tools and resources, including the ABP resource, as national assets for broader use across the country.

A subsequent meeting in December 2024 saw communities reviewing the draft National CLM Framework and tools. Once the communities provide their feedback and confirm their satisfaction with the framework, the document will be submitted to the Technical Committee for final approval in January 2025. If all goes according to plan, the framework, with the inclusion of the iMAQI model, Ma’box, and other key resources, will be officially endorsed and launched in February 2025.

Pema Kenya also extends its sincere appreciation to Positive Vibes and Ricardo Walters for inviting us in the multi-country LTD Community of Partners and Practice, which provided an invaluable platform for sharing knowledge and promoting collaboration.
This milestone validates the power of collective action and the importance of community-driven solutions in shaping the future of public health in Kenya. As Pema Kenya continues its work, we remain steadfast in our belief that there is immense strength in winning together.
💪🏾 Viiiva iMAQI+ Viiva!