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.

This year, Pema Kenya hosted a transformative 3 three-day LILO Identity workshops in Mombasa County. The workshops, attended by 42 participants, was designed to explore and deepen the understanding of gender identity, sexual orientation, and the challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals. Facilitated by Henry Ominde, lead facilitator, and Nelly Chivatsi, support facilitator from Pema Kenya, the workshop aimed to create a space for participants to reflect on their personal identities, confront societal prejudices, and build resilience within a supportive community.

Workshop Overview
LILO Identity, developed by Positive Vibes, is a comprehensive methodology that focuses on providing support for LGBTI individuals by guiding them through a reflective process. The methodology is structured around four key steps: Looking Back to reflect on past experiences, Looking In to explore internal feelings and thoughts, Looking Out to understand the external world around them, and Looking Forward to prepare participants for a positive and empowered future.
The workshop assumed that participants, all members of Pema Kenya, possessed deep personal knowledge and experiences that could be shared to foster mutual support. With a particular focus on the complexities of gender and sexual identity, the LILO Identity process aimed to help individuals unpack their emotions, needs, and desires, while empowering them to make informed decisions about their future paths.

Key Objectives
The LILO Identity workshop had several core objectives aimed at fostering self-empowerment and promoting social justice:
• To guide participants toward a positive LGBTI identity, strengthening their self-concept and fostering a strong sense of pride.
• To encourage participants to integrate their LGBTI identity with their other qualities and roles, recognizing themselves as complex, multifaceted individuals with unique strengths and capabilities.
• To inspire PEMA Kenya members to take charge of their lives, organizations, and movements, strengthening their voices and actions to contribute to the broader goals of social justice, equity, and inclusion.

Key Takeaways
• Embracing Diversity Within the LGBTI Community: The workshop provided a platform for participants to explore the diverse spectrum of experiences within the LGBTI community. With varying sexual orientations, gender identities, and cultural backgrounds, the group engaged in meaningful conversations that fostered greater understanding and acceptance. The participants appreciated the opportunity to connect with others from different walks of life, which helped break down barriers and build a stronger sense of solidarity within the community.
• Navigating Social Stigma: One of the central topics addressed during the workshop was the pervasive stigma and discrimination faced by LGBTI individuals in Kenya. Participants were equipped with valuable resources, coping mechanisms, and strategies for navigating these challenges. The discussions covered important aspects such as legal rights, the importance of support networks, and approaches for cultivating resilience. This knowledge allowed participants to feel more confident in their ability to stand up for their rights and well-being in the face of adversity.
• Building Confidence and Self-Acceptance: Through a combination of interactive exercises, personal storytelling, and group discussions, the workshop provided participants with the tools to reclaim their identities and confront societal narratives. By exploring their personal journeys, participants were encouraged to celebrate their uniqueness and embrace their authentic selves. The process helped individuals gain confidence and strengthen their self-acceptance, laying the groundwork for a positive outlook on their future.
• Finding Strength in Community: The workshop also fostered a sense of shared experience, creating a powerful network of support among participants. By connecting with others who understood their struggles and triumphs, participants were able to develop a sense of belonging and community. This newfound solidarity allowed them to recognize that they were not alone in their experiences and that together, they could build resilience and support one another in their ongoing journeys.

Conclusion
The LILO Identity workshop in Mombasa marked a significant step in Pema Kenya’s ongoing commitment to supporting the LGBTI community in Kenya. By creating a safe space for participants to explore their identities, confront challenges, and connect with others, the workshop empowered individuals to move forward with confidence and a strong sense of self. The insights gained from the workshop are expected to resonate long after its conclusion, as participants continue to strengthen their personal identities and contribute to a more inclusive society. Through initiatives like this, Pema Kenya is fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and social change, ensuring that LGBTI individuals are supported in their pursuit of equity and acceptance.

Earlier this year, Pema Kenya conducted a comprehensive assessment of the social and economic needs of its community members. The primary goal of this activity was to gather essential data that would inform the development of targeted interventions aimed at improving the well-being and economic empowerment of residents. Through surveys, interviews, and active community engagement, the assessment provided a holistic understanding of the challenges and needs faced by the Pema community.
Understanding these social and economic needs was a crucial step in planning effective interventions. By systematically gathering and analyzing data from the community, Pema Kenya and its partners were able to identify critical gaps and prioritize areas that required immediate attention and long-term support. This data-driven approach ensured that the proposed interventions would be both relevant and impactful, addressing the most pressing concerns of the community in a meaningful way.
A total of 524 community members were engaged in the assessment process, with their responses providing valuable insights into the areas requiring intervention. The findings were meticulously analyzed and compiled into a comprehensive report, which outlined both short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies for addressing the identified needs. This report is intended to guide future initiatives aimed at empowering the community and driving sustainable development.
One of the key interventions identified in the report was the rollout of a financial literacy training program, specifically designed for LGBTQ+ individuals. Recognizing that marginalized communities often face unique economic challenges, this program aimed to equip participants with essential financial skills such as budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding credit. By enhancing financial literacy, the program sought to empower participants to make informed financial decisions and improve their overall financial well-being.
The financial literacy training reached 430 community members, providing them with a basic understanding of financial principles and practices. For many, this program served as an important first step toward achieving greater financial stability and independence. Moreover, it helped foster increased confidence in managing personal finances, which has the potential to enhance the overall quality of life and resilience within the community.
While the financial literacy initiative has made significant strides, the report highlighted additional interventions that require further resources and long-term commitment to achieve substantial impact. Among these proposed initiatives is a mentorship program focused on small business start-up support. This program is designed to guide individuals interested in starting their own small businesses, offering mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs. Participants will receive invaluable support in key areas such as business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, and operational best practices.
The importance of mentorship in the entrepreneurial journey cannot be overstated, particularly for individuals in underserved communities who may lack access to formal business resources. This mentorship initiative aims to empower aspiring entrepreneurs by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to successfully launch and sustain their businesses. In addition to fostering economic empowerment, the program is expected to promote job creation and stimulate local economic development.
By nurturing entrepreneurship, Pema Kenya aims to build a supportive network within the community, encouraging collaboration, innovation, and long-term success. The mentorship program will play a critical role in enhancing the community’s entrepreneurial capacity, ultimately contributing to the broader goal of creating a more sustainable and inclusive local economy.
In summary, the comprehensive assessment conducted by Pema Kenya has laid the foundation for a series of strategic interventions designed to address the social and economic challenges faced by its community members. With a focus on financial literacy, small business mentorship, and other long-term initiatives, Pema Kenya is committed to driving empowerment and fostering sustainable development within the LGBTQ+ community. Through these efforts, Pema Kenya is helping to create a stronger, more resilient community capable of thriving in the face of adversity.

In a series of impactful events held throughout the year, Pema Kenya successfully engaged LGBTIQ community members in various forms of artivism—a fusion of art and activism—aimed at challenging stigma and discrimination. These activities, including the Artivism Ekyoto sessions, virtual artivism learning and sharing, and the creation of graffiti/mural art within the office space, provided critical opportunities for LGBTIQ activists to express their personal experiences and challenges while fostering empowerment and collective action.
The Ekyoto sessions, a cornerstone of this initiative, served as a vital platform for LGBTIQ activists to communicate their experiences through creative outlets. These in-person gatherings allowed participants to use art to create meaningful content that directly challenged societal stigma and discrimination. In the process, they not only shared their stories but also cultivated a deep sense of agency and empowerment. These sessions fostered collaboration and dialogue among activists, reinforcing community bonds and amplifying efforts to combat exclusion. Through artivism, participants were able to transform their lived experiences into powerful artistic expressions that resonated with the broader community.Over the course of several Ekyoto sessions, Pema Kenya engaged 60 LGBTIQ community members who actively participated in the creation of impactful art. The project’s overarching goal was to enhance the self-worth of participants by allowing them to take ownership of their narratives and use their art to advocate for change in their communities. By highlighting personal experiences through creative expression, these sessions not only raised awareness but also created a powerful platform for dialogue and change.
Building on the success of the Ekyoto sessions, the conversation continued online, extending the reach of the initiative. An online platform was established to provide LGBTIQ activists with a space to share their experiences, learn from one another, and deepen their engagement in artivism. This virtual platform quickly became an essential tool for building connections and collaboration within the community. Through this online space, over 208 LGBTIQ community members were reached, enabling participants to exchange insights and personal narratives that fostered mutual support. The platform created an environment where individuals could learn from each other’s experiences, broaden their perspectives, and strengthen their advocacy efforts. For many, this digital space reduced feelings of isolation and provided a vital sense of belonging.
Some of the participants from the Ekyoto-focused sessions took their advocacy to the next level by collaborating with an external graffiti expert to install two powerful graffiti murals in Pema Kenya’s office. These murals, designed and created by the community members themselves, reflected their experiences, struggles, and aspirations as LGBTIQ activists. The creation of these murals was not only a creative endeavor but also a strategic step toward amplifying the voices of the LGBTIQ community.
The collaborative process of designing and executing the murals fostered a sense of ownership and pride among the participants. Working closely with the graffiti artist, community members not only contributed to the artistic representation of their narratives but also gained valuable skills in artivism techniques. The resulting artwork transformed Pema Kenya’s office space into a vibrant, dynamic environment that embodies the resilience and creativity of the LGBTIQ community. The murals stand as powerful visual statements against stigma and discrimination, sparking dialogue and raising awareness about LGBTIQ issues within the broader community.
This public display of art serves multiple purposes: it empowers the participants, strengthens community bonds, and promotes inclusivity. The murals are more than just artwork; they are symbols of resistance and solidarity, challenging societal prejudices while fostering a more inclusive environment for all. Through these activities, Pema Kenya has not only helped amplify the voices of LGBTIQ activists but also created lasting spaces for creativity, collaboration, and advocacy that will continue to inspire change.
In reflecting on the success of these activities, it is clear that artivism has proven to be a transformative tool in the fight for LGBTIQ rights. By providing a platform for self-expression and collaboration, Pema Kenya has empowered community members to take ownership of their stories and challenge the stigma they face. The murals, the online platform, and the Ekyoto sessions collectively highlight the strength of the LGBTIQ community and their unwavering commitment to advancing human rights and inclusion.

The Pema Pride Cabaret, held on July 6th, 2024, marked the conclusion of Pride Month with an unforgettable event that brought together a vibrant and diverse audience, including GSM (Gender and Sexual Minorities) individuals, allies, stakeholders, and advocates. The event not only served as a moment of celebration but also as a powerful platform for dialogue, connection, and the sharing of personal stories, all of which fostered unity, empowerment, and a collective commitment to inclusivity.
At its heart, the Pema Pride Cabaret was a celebration of talent and diversity. The event featured a range of performances, from music and dance to spoken word and theater, showcasing the rich cultural expressions of the GSM community. These performances went beyond mere entertainment; they provided a medium for participants to share their experiences, challenge stereotypes, and highlight the resilience of a community that continues to fight for acceptance and equal rights. The diverse lineup underscored the many facets of the GSM community, reinforcing the importance of embracing every identity, story, and voice.

Beyond the performances, the Cabaret played a critical role as a forum for meaningful conversation. It created a space where stakeholders—including healthcare workers, law enforcers, local administrators, religious leaders, business owners, and others—came together to engage in open and constructive discussions about strategies for promoting inclusion and acceptance. The event reached 194 participants, including: 120 LGBTIQ individuals, 14 healthcare workers (HCWs), 15 law enforcers, 15 local administrators, 15 religious leaders and 15 business owners.

These conversations were integral in fostering collaboration across sectors to ensure that GSM individuals are recognized, respected, and supported within society. By bringing together such a wide range of voices, the event emphasized the importance of collective efforts to break down barriers, challenge societal norms, and create a welcoming environment for all. The Pema Pride Cabaret was more than just a celebratory gathering; it was a call to action. While the event inspired immediate joy and celebration, it also motivated long-term commitment to advancing human rights initiatives. The event’s ability to bridge gaps between various sectors was pivotal in creating lasting change. It encouraged participants to translate the energy and solidarity of the event into sustained efforts that continue to support and uplift the GSM community.

The Pema Pride Cabaret stood as a testament to the strength of collective action and solidarity. By highlighting the voices, talents, and stories of those who are often overlooked, it championed diversity and encouraged a more inclusive and resilient society. The spirit of unity and empowerment ignited at the event extended far beyond the final performance, fueling ongoing efforts to create a world where everyone, regardless of gender or sexual identity, can live with dignity, respect, and equality.
As the event concluded, the Pema Pride Cabaret symbolized what can be achieved when communities unite for a common cause—fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is prioritized, and everyone is empowered to thrive.