On October 3rd and 4th, 2024, Pema Kenya will host a Coast Leadership Convening in Mombasa, bringing together SOGIE-led and Key Population (KP)-led civil society organizations (CSOs) from Mombasa County. Founded in 2008, Pema Kenya is a membership-based organization dedicated to creating an enabling environment for its members and the broader community, focusing particularly on Gender and Sexual Minority (GSM) individuals.

In recent years, particularly last year, the coastal region of Kenya has experienced a rise in anti-gender movements fueled by conservative ideologies and increased political mobilization against gender and sexual diversity. These movements have resulted in heightened stigma, discrimination, and violence targeting GSM and KP individuals. Harmful narratives portraying GSM persons as threats to cultural values have led to their marginalization, while legislative efforts at both national and county levels, influenced by anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment, have created significant barriers to accessing healthcare, justice, and protection. Community-led organizations that advocate for GSM rights have also become frequent targets of social and political attacks, making their work increasingly challenging.

In this context, the convening aims to facilitate network building and collaborative efforts among SOGIE-led and KP-led CSOs and Social Justice Centers (SJCs). The need for strengthened collaboration is urgent, as the GSM community faces escalating violence, stigma, and legal persecution. By uniting CSOs, the convening will enable participants to share resources, expertise, and strategies to address threats collectively. This platform will foster trust and collaboration, allowing participants to develop joint action plans to enhance the security, visibility, and advocacy capabilities of their organizations.

The objectives of the convening are clear: to strengthen the capacity of SOGIE-led and KP-led CSOs in safety and security response mechanisms; to build and enhance networks between coastal region CSOs and SJCs; to facilitate knowledge sharing on best practices and advocacy strategies; and to engage participants in developing joint action plans for safety and rights-based advocacy for the GSM community.

Key areas of focus during the convening will include discussions on the impact of anti-gender movements on policy and service delivery for GSM communities, training sessions on personal and organizational safety covering physical and digital security threats, and leadership development aimed at strengthening the advocacy capabilities of CSO leaders. Participants will also engage in exercises to foster solidarity and identify collaborative opportunities, as well as discussions aimed at improving relationships with local stakeholders, including law enforcement and health providers.

Expected outcomes of this initiative include increased leadership capacity among CSOs, the development of a network committed to advocating for GSM rights, a comprehensive action plan to mitigate the effects of anti-gender movements, and strengthened relationships with key stakeholders to promote GSM rights and safety.

This convening represents a critical step toward creating a more inclusive and safer environment for GSM individuals in the coastal region of Kenya. By enhancing leadership capacity, improving security response mechanisms, and fostering collaboration, Pema Kenya aims to empower CSOs and SJCs to effectively combat the rising tide of discrimination and violence against GSM individuals, ensuring a more equitable future for all.