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!

Earlier in 2024, Pema Kenya conducted an internal assessment of its faith engagement efforts, both those carried out independently and those in collaboration with five partner organizations. This assessment highlighted the need to strengthen and expand faith engagement work, particularly by promoting deeper collaboration among organizations. Recognizing this opportunity for growth, Pema Kenya partnered with the CAC in Nairobi, UJIFO from Mombasa, KARTEKRI, HH, and KISLEB from Kisumu. Together, they worked to design a shared vision for advancing faith-based inclusion and justice for gender and sexual minority (GSM) individuals.

This vision culminated in a three-day convening held from October 28th to 30th, 2024, supported by LGBT+ DK, where these six organizations came together to design a comprehensive five-year roadmap for a collective joint faith engagement program. The convening was structured around capacity-building initiatives, aimed at enhancing the ability of participating organizations to effectively integrate faith perspectives into their outreach and programming.

The capacity-building sessions included workshops, training activities, and collaborative projects, all focused on equipping these organizations with the skills and knowledge necessary to engage faith communities in a meaningful and impactful way. By enhancing their understanding of faith engagement, the partner organizations were better positioned to connect with diverse communities, address social issues, and mobilize faith-based resources for the inclusion of GSM individuals. This training not only strengthened their ability to promote collaboration but also improved their outreach efforts, allowing them to serve their communities more effectively and leverage the positive influence of faith in driving social change.

Through these efforts, the organizations worked together to create the “Faith Consortium for Inclusion and Justice in Kenya” (FCIJ-K), a joint initiative focused on advocating for the rights and inclusion of GSM individuals. The consortium aims to promote a society where GSM people are respected, supported, and empowered to live authentically in all aspects of life. Its mission is to foster safe and inclusive environments across faith, social, professional, and educational communities, promoting allyship and equitable treatment for GSM individuals by 2030.

The consortium brings together key members, including Pema Kenya, HelpHeal Foundation, CAC, KISLEB, KARTEKRI, and UJIFO. Governance of the consortium is guided by a structured Memorandum of Understanding, which outlines the consortium’s objectives and operations. Oversight is provided by the Consortium Advisory Board (CAB), while two key teams support its implementation: the Programs Coordinating Team (PCT) and the Resource Coordination Team (RCT). The PCT includes program leads, communications specialists, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) experts, while the RCT focuses on administration and logistics.

This newly formed consortium represents a significant step forward in collective efforts to advance social justice and inclusion for GSM individuals in Kenya. By uniting diverse stakeholders under a common cause, FCIJ-K aims to create a powerful platform for advocacy, fostering collaboration among faith communities, activists, and other key players. Through this partnership, the consortium is poised to make lasting and meaningful progress toward building a more inclusive and equitable society for GSM individuals.
As the FCIJ-K moves forward with its five-year roadmap, Pema Kenya and its partners are committed to strengthening faith-based engagement and working toward a future where GSM individuals are fully included, respected, and empowered across all sectors of society.