The 7th RHNK AYSRHR Scientific Conference was an exhilarating experience for us! Halima Abba Ali Zaid’s empowering speech on youth-led SRHR advocacy set a dynamic tone, emphasizing Denmark’s steadfast support. From Dr Albert Nwiga’s sessions on self-care interventions to groundbreaking initiatives like ‘Chaguo Mkononi’ for contraceptive access, we championed innovation and inclusivity. We ignited engaging discussions, delivered insightful presentations, and hosted powerful panels that challenged the norm. Our abstract presentation on advancing access to safe abortion for LBQT persons sparked intriguing questions and fostered valuable networks.

As we moved through the conference we were particularly drawn to discussions around bridging the gap between policy and implementation, with initiatives like the Wazii platform by Girl Effect highlighting innovative approaches. Global perspectives shared by Vanessa Sekpon and dynamic sessions at the Youth Cafe kept the momentum strong. Heartfelt thanks to SAAF for their invaluable support—your partnership fuels our mission to advocate tirelessly for safe abortion and inclusive SRHR services. Together, we’re shaping a future where every voice matters in the journey towards equitable healthcare.  Here are some highlights:

       

We recently participated in a comprehensive session on physical and digital security, facilitated by Wekeswa. Key discussions included:

– Exploring collaboration among human rights defenders across different sectors to enhance community service.
– Addressing the mental health challenges faced by defenders, with a focus on effective coping strategies for vicarious trauma.
– Clarifying distinctions between activists and human rights defenders, and identifying synergistic opportunities in our collective efforts.

In a practical exercise, we tested the strength of our passwords and learned essential techniques for enhancing online security and creating robust passwords.

We extend our gratitude to everyone involved for their active participation in this enriching session. We eagerly anticipate future engagements.

Here are some highlights from the engaging session that we had.

 

It would be easy for me to tell you how homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are horrible and how I have experienced them, I can also tell you all the negative effects of the same so that I can urge you to stop. And you would be reading a blog post similar to a million others that you may have interacted with online. However, I want to do this a bit differently.

Being a CIS woman has what a friend of mine calls “privilege” and don’t get me wrong, I have had my fair share of struggles as an adult human navigating life in this country just like the next person. Before we even look at my gender. There is nothing simple about being a woman, from the harmful societal expectations placed on us to unequal opportunities not just in our homes but also in healthcare service provision, education, labour market, and policy-making to mention but a few. I however would not be true to myself to say that I can come close to comparing myself to the struggles a transwoman may undergo to get the same services. I could easily pass off as a heterosexual woman any day and I have done so for the past 25 years of my life.

So why am I here? the past 3 years that I have been out and proud have been slightly different and that difference is the reason you are reading this article now.

 

Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). It is marked on 17 May each year because, on this day in 1990, the World Health Organisation (WHO) removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases. As much as it is a day against violence and oppression, it is also a day for freedom, diversity and acceptance.

In many cases, I would be typing about why it is important, why it started and some of the things you can do or will be doing to mark this day but bear with me again this is a big day. IDAHOBIT is like a birthday for us as a community, a queer birthday of sorts with us cutting cakes, having discussions, hosting and attending events to mark the day. When it’s over we wait for June, then the next day designated to “allow us to exist”. My point here is in many ways we have not been able to live freely and enjoy the basic human rights accorded to all humans. We wait for such days to have these conversations all the while we remain silent in our homes, in our relationships, in our workplaces, in our schools where we constantly experience homophobia, biphobia and transphobia and at times in an effort to fit in we tolerate being treated as less.

This year’s theme for IDAHOBIT is no one gets left behind and that includes you. Yes. You!

NO ONE LEFT BEHIND: EQUALITY, FREEDOM AND JUSTICE FOR ALL

But what do we mean by left behind? Are we in a marathon, a race or something?

For us at Women Working with Women no one gets left behind means that in our efforts to ensure justice for all we take the time to understand what inequalities look like for our community. As we implement our queering safe abortion project, we look at the intense health disparities that queer persons face in accessing reproductive health services, we look at how exclusions are reproduced in abortion interventions and programming. We have peer-to-peer conversations and sit-downs and discuss the challenges, burst the myths or misconceptions and find solutions. We have value clarification and attitude transformation workshops with service providers from the health, legal and policy-making arenas. With the help of SAAF, we have reached many LBQT persons with not just information but also referrals to help where needed.

What equality, justice and freedom for all means for us is that despite our constitution being so loud and stating that we all have the right to the highest attainable standard of health-

Health here being described as Mental and physical, Psychological, Social and Familial Wellbeing according to article 43 (a), while article 26 (IV) restricts access to abortion with the penal code emphasizing further on the legalities around abortion in  Cap. 63 Articles 158-160, 228 and 240 hence fear by medical practitioners to offer safe abortion services. Sad right? Imagine the effects of abortion stigma as a stand-alone issue and now merge it with the stigma and discrimination that LGBTQ+ persons face daily. It’s unbearable!

We only dream of a day where safe abortion will not be a decision to be decided at the courts but by an individual with full autonomy to plan their future.

That choices regarding our bodies will be ours and only ours to make. When this happens, we will not only have less stigma around abortions but also support systems and safe spaces where LBQT persons can talk about their abortion stories. Shame dies when stories are told in safe spaces.

 

What no one gets left behind means: The next time we have a survey with our policymakers and health care providers and throw in a statement like men can get pregnant too the responses will read strongly agree from all present because that will show a 100% shift in attitude and what that means is that I as a bisexual woman in Kenya won’t have to act or fake heterosexuality in order to access these services, this in the long run will improve my general health-seeking behaviour and even further causing a ripple effect to my friends and the broader community.

 

What no one gets left behind means for us is also as simple as my friend who identifies as trans walks into a healthcare facility, a police station, a school, a bar or a restaurant and does not receive weird glances or demeaning remarks about their looks or worse get denied services because of their sexual orientation and gender identity and that when they need a safe abortion, they can access it without resorting to unsafe methods that put their life at risk.

This year’s theme means that in as much as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”.  This is a promise that is yet to be fulfilled for LGBTQI+ persons and everyone else experiencing the multifaceted impacts of inequality.

So, this IDAHOBIT we would like to ask you:

What does “no one left” behind mean to you? 

 

By Joy Wanga, Communications and Advocacy for Women Working with Women (3W)

Facts about HIV Stigma

What is HIV stigma?

HIV stigma is negative attitudes and beliefs about people living with HIV. It is the prejudice that comes with labeling an individual as part of a group that is believed to be socially unacceptable.

Here are a few examples:

Believing that only certain groups of people can get HIV

Making moral judgments about people who take steps to prevent HIV transmission

Feeling that people deserve to get HIV because of their choices

What is discrimination?

While stigma refers to an attitude or belief, discrimination is the behaviors that result from those attitudes or beliefs. HIV discrimination is the act of treating people living with HIV differently than those without HIV.

Here are a few examples:

A health care professional refusing to provide care or services to a person living with HIV

Refusing casual contact with someone living with HIV

Socially isolating a member of a community because they are HIV positive

Referring to people as HIVers or Positives

What are the effects of HIV stigma and discrimination?

HIV stigma and discrimination affect the emotional well-being and mental health of people living with HIV. People living with HIV often internalize the stigma they experience and begin to develop a negative self-image. They may fear they will be discriminated against or judged negatively if their HIV status is revealed.

“Internalized stigma” or “self-stigma” happens when a person takes in the negative ideas and stereotypes about people living with HIV and start to apply them to themselves. HIV internalized stigma can lead to feelings of shame, fear of disclosure, isolation, and despair. These feelings can keep people from getting tested and treated for HIV.

What causes HIV stigma?

HIV stigma is rooted in a fear of HIV. Many of our ideas about HIV come from the HIV images that first appeared in the early 1980s. There are still misconceptions about how HIV is transmitted and what it means to live with HIV today.

The lack of information and awareness combined with outdated beliefs lead people to fear getting HIV. Additionally, many people think of HIV as a disease that only certain groups get. This leads to negative value judgements about people who are living with HIV.

What can be done about HIV stigma?

Talk about HIV. Talking openly about HIV can help normalize the subject. It also provides opportunities to correct misconceptions and help others learn more about HIV. But be mindful of how you talk about HIV and people living with HIV. The Let’s Stop HIV Together stigma language guide can help.

Take action. We can all help end HIV stigma through our words and actions in our everyday lives. Lead others with your supportive behaviors. Check out the Let’s Stop HIV Together stigma scenarios for tips on what you can do when you witness stigma.

 

Sexual and reproductive health and rights or SRHR is the concept of human rights applied to sexuality and reproduction Young girls in schools face significant barriers in accessing the essential sexual and reproductive health information they need, and teachers being stakeholders in disseminating the information to adolescent girls in schools; we saw it ardent to train teachers on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights for adolescents this is thanks to AmplifyChange. Sexual health is about more than just the physical relationships between girls and boys. It is about choosing healthy lifestyles. It is also about knowing how to keep safe and protect the body from harm. Equally important, it is about self-esteem, about respecting oneself and other people, about developing healthy relationships, about giving and seeking support. Teachers play a vital role in ensuring school going children know about their sexual health as schools are sites where some of the most distressing concerns relating to SRHR originate i.e. unwanted pregnancies, sexual abuse, early marriage and HIV/AIDS. Why does teen pregnancy persist despite stringent measure put aside to address it? Some causes of teen pregnancy include but is not limited to:

 

What can we do to tackle teen pregnancy?

It is the job of parents and schools to teach teens about the negative effects of teenage pregnancy. The parents can strongly influence their children\’s decisions by taking the time to be involved when the issue of sex arises. The schools can also do their part by providing the necessary information on preventing pregnancies and by encouraging teens to make responsible choices when having sex. Therefore, the responsibility of adults is to provide teens with a thorough understanding of abstinence, contraceptive techniques, and the consequences of sexual activity.Why is there a need for Comprehensive Sexuality Education in schools?

Young people need correct information to help them make informed decisions about their sexual behavior.

Parenting is no mean fete, and being an LBQT parent makes it more complicated as it comes with a lot of societal expectations and beliefs. 3W through Dr Sylvester Odanga a registered psychologist took 20 LBQT parents through a session of parenting styles and how it affects their children eventually. It evinced that a parenting style can affect everything from their self-esteem to their weight and even how they perceive and feel about themselves that is why 3w saw it best to tackle the different styles of parenting in order to ensure that whatever style they are using is contributing to the child’s healthy growth and supporting their development. The parenting styles are usually facilitated by the parents own self-concept and self-efficacy but sometimes influenced by a parents own values and beliefs or even introjection. The four major parenting styles are:

Each of these styles have their own characteristics and may take a different approach to raising children, nevertheless, they can be used one at a time, or two combined or all at different times, depending on the situation

    1. Authoritarian Parenting

Do any of these statements sound like you?

If any of those ring true, you might be an authoritarian parent. Authoritarian parents believe kids should follow the rules without exception. Authoritarian parents are famous for saying, “Because I said so,” when a child questions the reasons behind a rule. They are not interested in negotiating and their focus is on obedience.

They also don\’t allow kids to get involved in problem-solving challenges or obstacles. Instead, they make the rules and enforce the consequences with little regard for a child’s opinion.Authoritarian parents may use punishments instead of discipline. So rather than teach a child how to make better choices, they’re invested in making kids feel sorry for their mistakes.

Children who grow up with strict authoritarian parents tend to follow rules much of the time. But, their obedience comes at a price.Children of authoritarian parents are at a higher risk of development self-esteem problems because their opinions aren’t valued.

They may also become hostile or aggressive rather than think about how to do things better in the future, they often focus on the anger they feel toward their parents. Since authoritarian parents are often strict, their children may grow to become good liars in an effort to avoid punishment.

    1. Authoritative Parenting

Do any of these statements sound like you?

If those statements sound familiar, you may be an authoritative parent. Authoritative parents have rules and they use consequences, but they also take their children’s opinions into account. They validate their children\’s feelings, while also making it clear that the adults are ultimately in charge.

Authoritative parents invest time and energy into preventing behavior problems before they start. They also use positive discipline strategies to reinforce good behavior, like praise and rewards.

Researchers have found kids who have authoritative parents are most likely to become responsible adults who feel comfortable expressing their opinions .Children raised with authoritative discipline tend to be happy and successful. They’re also more likely to be good at making decisions and evaluating safety risks on their own.

    1. Permissive Parenting

Do any of these statements sound like you?

If those statements sound familiar, you might be a permissive parent. Permissive parents are lenient. They often only step in when there\’s a serious problem. They’re quite forgiving and they adopt an attitude of “kids will be kids. ” When they do use consequences, they may not make those consequences stick. They might give privileges back if a child begs or they may allow a child to get out of time-out early if he promises to be good. Permissive parents usually take on more of a friend role than a parent role. They often encourage their children to talk with them about their problems, but they usually don\’t put much effort into discouraging poor choices or bad behavior Kids who grow up with permissive parents are more likely to struggle academically. They may exhibit more behavioral problems as they don’t appreciate authority and rules. They often have low self-esteem and may report a lot of sadness. They’re also at a higher risk for health problems, like obesity, because permissive parents struggle to limit junk food intake. They are even more likely to have dental cavities because permissive parents often don’t enforce good habits, like ensuring a child brushes his teeth.

    1. Uninvolved Parenting

Do any of these statements sound familiar?

If those statements sound familiar, you might be an uninvolved parent. Uninvolved parents tend to have little knowledge of what their children are doing. There tend to be few rules, children may not receive much guidance, nurturing, and parental guidance Uninvolved parents expect children to raise themselves. They don’t devote much time or energy into meeting children’s basic needs. Uninvolved parents may be neglectful but it’s not always intentional. A parent with mental health issues or substance abuse problems, for example, may not be able to care for a child’s physical or emotional needs on a consistent basis.

At other times, uninvolved parents lack knowledge about child development. And sometimes, they\’re simply overwhelmed with other problems, like work, paying bills, and managing a household. Children with uninvolved parents are likely to struggle with self-esteem issues and they tend to perform poorly in school. They also exhibit frequent behavior problems and rank low in happy

Disclaimer: Dr Odanga however disclaimed that as much as the authoritative parenting is considered the best, and is most recommended, he said the ones who don’t fit here or in any of the categories should still commit and endeavor to be the best parents by establishing authority in a good and healthy way

Sources: Dr Odanga/verywellfamily.com