Expanding network of LBQ organisations in Kenya 

LBQ representation in key meetings, organising and programing for LBQ specific interventions is shrinking within the LGBTQI/SW movement in Kenya. As such, there is need to build transformative leadership of LBQ women to sustain LBQ organising and ensure LBQ women take up positions within the mainstream human rights organisations, government institutions or elective positions, and even within the LGBTQI/SW movement. The project sought to explore and identify the specific leadership needs for LBQ women/leaders that will enable them build their leadership and management skills, meaningfully participate and engage within different forums while sustaining credible LBQ organisations. This was to be achieved through heteronormativity policy and political audit on gender mainstreaming policies/affirmative actions in Kenya, needs assessment with partner organisations and maintaining a network of Kenyan LGBTQI leaders and allies to ensure  

As an Empowerment grantee, one of the key wins by INEND has been the ability to build strong relationships with some of the organisations that saw INEND as a threat, with both coming up with ways of working together as LBQ organisations especially in the coastal region of Kenya where INEND is based. The grant also participated in the Oxfam Youth Learning Event 2019 at The Hague where the team was equipped with skills in proposal writing and idea generation. 

INEND also attended the 2 day linking and learning event in Zanzibar where they showcased their projects 

On the SDGs and promoting civic education, INEND conducted a 2-day training workshop for all SOGIE organisations in the coast where participants were exposed to the importance of the African Commission of Human and People’s Rights. 

INEND conducted the needs assessment on LBQ leadership capacity and partnered  with  Amkeni  LBQ  to  identify  the  challenges  stifling  LBQ leadership capacity. As  a  result  of  this  survey,  INEND conducted  a  3-day  training  on  Project Management  and  Proposal  writing.  The training also covered aspects of governance,   leadership   and   management,   project   monitoring   and evaluation. 

Figure 2 Participants in a leadership workshop activity 

Additionally, they also conducted a 3-day training on financial management  and  control  which  exposed  the  participants  to  aspects  as accounting  principles,  financial  systems  and  procedures,  budgeting  and financial  planning,  asset  management,  cash  management  and  financial reporting. As a result, the team was able to draft a joint proposal for capacity development with Watu Centre for Health and Advocacy (WACHA- Health) and Coast Women for Women (CWW). 

The main successes of the project include the new organisation Upinde Advocates for Inclusion, the Oxfam learning event in 2019, joint proposal for capacity development and the opportunity to be a jury chair. These were not met without challenges which included lack of enough skills during preparation of joint proposal and limited time for the activities 

Moving on, the organisation is looking at supporting the LBQ organisations in fundraising   and encourage partnerships and movement building between LBQ organisations to have an amplified LBQ voice in Kenya especially on the joint proposal prepared by CWW and WACHA. INEND will also be establishing mentorship and exchange programmes for LBQ leaders. The mentorship program will be in such a way that INEND will not feel pressure to host individuals and organisations.  The leaders and organisations being hosted will also not be pushed too hard  to  acquire  needed  skills  within  a  short  time  to  run  their organisations. Lastly, INEND will assist like- minded organisations with technical support when applying for various Voice grants. 

Some of the stories can be found on the following links; 

(Find on link attached audio clips containing participants’ feedback on the project management and proposal writing training)  

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1U358SGfvIX7cCUKxTanMIczpc_oUi6TQ  

(Find on the link attached ACHPR training evaluation attachment with this report) 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZxHs6dYGXdT5DI6Em50VdctSu8Fw1ftjVX3jdaugts8/edit#responses  

(Find attached Project Management and proposal Writing Consultancy report) 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aKYGT3zx7bXIgIXvz-PcB_xJQK3IV2zT/view?usp=sharing  

(Find attached Joint Proposal and Budgets) 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11t6-se0eKV4XNwh67W-tw0r2zBNWTUwd?usp=sharing