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)

We organized a knowledge-based workshop focusing on safe abortion practices. The session delved into the definition of safe abortion, shedding light on the importance of ensuring a womxn’s health and well-being during the procedure. Attendees engaged in discussions exploring examples of unsafe abortion practices and the potential risks associated with them, emphasizing the critical need for accessible, safe, and legal abortion services. Additionally, participants explored indicators of incomplete abortion and learned about various abortion procedures, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The workshop was characterized by its informative nature and interactive discussions, providing a platform for attendees to share insights and experiences. Moving forward, the participants are enthusiastic about contributing their voices to the ongoing advocacy efforts aimed at destigmatizing abortion and advocating for reproductive rights.

In conclusion, the workshop organized served as an educational platform where participants gained a deeper understanding of safe abortion practices and associated issues. By addressing topics such as unsafe abortion examples, indicators of incomplete abortion, and types of abortion procedures, attendees acquired valuable knowledge essential for promoting women’s reproductive health and rights. The session’s interactive nature facilitated meaningful discussions and fostered a sense of solidarity among participants, inspiring them to actively engage in advocacy efforts to destigmatize abortion and promote access to safe reproductive healthcare for all individuals.

The first day of our Value Clarification and Attitude Transformation (VCAT) training, titled “Do Your Values Affect Your Humanity,” delved into crucial topics surrounding gender norms, sexuality, and abortion. Participants explored societal constructs of the ideal man and woman, unpacking how these standards influence individual and collective behaviours. The session also addressed the multifaceted causes of abortion, ranging from socio-economic factors to personal circumstances, while highlighting regions worldwide where abortion is restricted, illegal, or permitted on demand. Additionally, discussions centred on the ethical considerations of who should receive comprehensive abortion care, fostering an inclusive dialogue within our Community-Based Strategic Team (CoBaST) to promote safe and respectful practices surrounding reproductive health choices. Throughout the day, participants engaged in learning and knowledge-sharing to better understand and advocate for comprehensive and inclusive abortion care in our community.

The session was interactive with a variety of activities such as crossing the line to determine the level of knowledge and exposure to the topic of abortion both safe and unsafe, drawing what our ideal man or woman is and sharing stories of societal norms we have learnt a lot and continue to learn as we implement this program in the broader LBQT community.  Check Out some highlights:

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Last week, healthcare service providers gathered for an enriching workshop hosted by 3w, and it was truly a memorable experience. If you haven’t attended a 3w workshop, you haven’t experienced fun learning sessions. Throughout the event, participants engaged in trivia, meaningful conversations, and myth-bursting sessions, all accompanied by moments of uproarious laughter. The workshop delved into the intricacies of delivering friendly services for rights holders, offering valuable insights into the complexities of healthcare provision.

One of the highlights of the workshop was the exploration of the Johari Window model, which provided a framework for understanding healthy and unhealthy dynamics in interpersonal relationships within the healthcare context. Participants gained a deeper understanding of how self-awareness and communication can contribute to providing more compassionate and effective care. Additionally, the workshop challenged misconceptions surrounding abortion, debunking common m  yths and shedding light on the diverse legal frameworks across African countries where abortion is permitted, albeit under varying degrees of restrictions.

Overall, the workshop served as a platform for healthcare service providers to enhance their knowledge and skills in delivering friendly and inclusive services to rights holders. Through a blend of technical terminology, interactive activities, and thought-provoking discussions, participants left the event feeling empowered and equipped with valuable insights to better serve their communities.

Key Highlights: