Pema Kenya is set to implement a targeted Financial Literacy Training aimed at strengthening the economic resilience of LGBTIQ+ persons in Mombasa County. The upcoming activity aligns with the organization’s long-standing commitment to advancing inclusive development and creating enabling environments for Gender and Sexual Minority (GSM) communities to thrive. Founded in 2008, Pema Kenya is a GSM-led, membership-based organization working to bridge systemic gaps between GSM communities and the broader society. Through rights-based and community-driven programming, the organization has, for over a decade, promoted access to justice, health, safety, and inclusive participation. However, persistent economic exclusion—particularly affecting LBQ women and transgender persons—continues to undermine financial stability and overall wellbeing.

Many LGBTIQ+ individuals face discrimination in formal employment, family rejection, and limited access to safe financial services, often relying on informal or precarious income sources. Compounding these challenges is a lack of practical financial knowledge related to budgeting, saving, debt management, and the safe use of financial tools. These gaps increase vulnerability to exploitative lending, chronic debt, and financial insecurity. In response, Pema Kenya will conduct a structured financial literacy training designed to equip participants with practical, accessible, and context-responsive financial skills. The training will engage 30 LGBTIQ+ participants, with a deliberate focus on LBQ women and transgender persons experiencing economic vulnerability or engaged in informal livelihoods.

The initiative will focus on strengthening participants’ understanding of income management, budgeting, saving, responsible borrowing, and financial planning. It will also promote awareness of safe, inclusive financial services, including mobile money platforms and community-based savings mechanisms. By enhancing financial confidence and decision-making, the training seeks to reduce economic vulnerability and support pathways toward greater financial independence. Expected outcomes of the activity include improved financial knowledge and confidence, development of personal budgets and savings plans, increased use of appropriate financial services, and enhanced capacity to manage emergencies and plan for long-term goals. Ultimately, the training is expected to contribute to stronger economic resilience and improved wellbeing among LGBTIQ+ participants.

This upcoming activity marks an important step in Pema Kenya’s broader efforts to advance economic empowerment, dignity, and self-determination for LGBTIQ+ persons, while strengthening community-led approaches to sustainable livelihoods and inclusive growth in Mombasa County