INEND is fighting for the rights of queer women in Kenya
A wave of anti-LGBTQI movements are working in countries like Uganda, Burundi, Ghana and Kenya to attack LGBTQI people and their already limited freedom and human rights. But there are activists and organisations who are fighting for a society where all Kenyans can be free to be who they are and have their fundamental human rights respected.
One of these organisations is also one of RFSL’s newest partner organisations – Initiative for Equality and Non Discrimination (INEND), an organisation that works specifically with supporting queer women in Mombasa Kenya, and the broader region of East Africa.
– It’s been frightening, especially for individuals who aren’t privileged enough to live in safe neighborhoods. We’ve seen a rise in attacks on people in their own communities, which is deeply concerning. Ensuring the safety and security of lesbian, bisexual and queer women is a top priority, according to Esther “Essy” Adhiambo, Executive Director of INEND.
“I’ve heard of queer women being forced into marriages because their families demand grandchildren”
The situation for LGBTQI people in Kenya is already tough. Lesbian, bisexual and queer women are especially vulnerable, as they are also subjected to patriarchal norms and power structures in Kenyan society. Violence, discrimination and forced marriages are only a few examples of the challenges that queer women face, according to Esther “Essy” Adhiambo, director of INEND.
– I’ve heard of queer women being forced into marriages because their families demand grandchildren. Many are not empowered enough to refuse, either due to economic dependence or societal pressure. Being forced into heterosexual marriages is heartbreaking, but society has these rigid expectations of women, Essy explains.
Situationen för hbtqi-personer i Kenya
Kenya is one of over 60 countries in the world where being LGBTQI is criminalised, as sex between men is illegal. Additionally, LGBTQI people, activists and organsitions are often harassed by the police.
The wider society in Kenya does not approve of LGBTQI people. One study from 2019 found that 86% of Kenyans express dislike for LGBTQI people.
As a result of the intolerance, LGBTQI people in Kenya are frequently subjected to discrimination, harassment and violence.
Support that makes a difference for queer women
To have the support from RFSL is even more important in a time when targeted attacks against LGBTQI people have been increasing. Not only does organisations like INEND need to offer extra support to their communities, but they also need to implement extra security measures.
To live and work in a context that is becoming increasingly hostile towards LGBTQI people also has a negative impact on the staff, both in terms of their own economic security but also for their mental health. LGBTQI activists are often unpaid, while simultaneously belonging to several marginalised groups. This makes their work important and especially vulnerable.
– This flexibility allows us to pay staff and better support our activists with improved salaries, something we haven’t been able to do well in LGBTQI organizing. We can now hire more people and avoid burnout, which is crucial as the workload grows, Essy explains.
With your donation, you can support RFSL and INEND, so we can keep making Kenya a better and safer place for LGBTQI persons.
With your donation, you can help us to:
- Support organisations like INEND with secure offices, so they can keep doing their work without needing to fear for their safety
- Help our partner organisations attend international conferences, where they can speak up about the situation in their home countries and make important connections with politicians, donors and other LGBTQI activists.
- Support our partner organisations amazing community spaces, where lesbian, bisexual and queer women can gather safely.