Gender Democracy

The Gender Component contributes to the transformation of gender relations in Kenya and the region in order to realize human rights for all members of society. Our main focus areas enhance women’s effective political participation in Kenya, challenge patriarchy and democratic rollback in the region from a feminist perspective, and amplify gender and sexual minority rights through regional networking, learning processes, capacity building, awareness creation, research and documentation of experiences of women leaders. The programme also builds knowledge and facilitates discourse on gender diversity.

Reflecting on the Gender Forum: A Collective Stand against Femicide in Kenya.

On July 25th, 2024, the Heinrich Böll Foundation in partnership with the Young Women's Leadership Institute (YWLI) hosted a pivotal Gender Forum at the Heinrich Böll Foundation's Nairobi office to raise raising awareness about femicide in Kenya

By Faiba Kombo

Breaking Ground, Building Hope: INEND's Forever Home

On May 17, 2024, INEND celebrated the groundbreaking of their Forever Home in Shanzu, Mombasa. This new center symbolizes a brighter, more inclusive future for the LGBTQ community. As long-serving partners at Heinrich Boell Foundation, Nairobi, we were honoured to be part of this great milestone

By Faiba Kombo and Maureen Odera

All articles on gender democracy

Recent Publications

Decentralization and inclusion in Kenya

Publication

Kabarak University and Heinrich Boell Foundation published a book dubbed “Decentralisation and inclusion in Kenya: From pre-colonial times to the first decade of devolution”. The publication is a result of a research that evaluated the first era of devolution (2012 – 2022). The critical focus on devolution and its impact on minority groups.

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Perspectives #01/2021: African Feminisms Across Generations

New Publication

This special edition of Perspectives reflects on, analyzes and documents the evolution of African feminisms and feminist action that African activists have taken up to address both old as well as persistent and new threats to women’s rights and gender justice. It also reflects on lessons learned from African feminist practices for current and future generations across the region.

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All publication on gender democracy

Our Programs

Gender Democratic Change

Motherhood in the time of Coronavirus

Video Story

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened many of the challenges that mothers around the world face as the global health threat and resulting economic downturn have created a caregiving crisis that has disproportionately affected women and motherhood.

Challenging Patriarchy

How much more do we have to do?

Article

The consequences of patriarchy ripple through all levels and corners of society. We are aware of the consequences and unaware of others. Patriarchy is defined as a social or political system that has chosen to identify men as superior to women. This enables an unjust system that promotes violence against the latter gender in all spaces, be it at home, the workplace, streets, online or even inside religions. Patriarchy serves men with toxic entitlement towards women.

Sexual and Gender Minority Rights

Advancing Human Rights in Tertiary Institutions is a Crucial Step Towards Inclusivity in Kenya

Article

Despite increasing awareness, the LGBTQ+ community in Kenya faces significant legal, social, and cultural challenges that restrict their access to essential services such as sexual and reproductive healthcare. This article by Enosh Abuya, Executive Director, The Eagles for Life Kenya (TEFL-K) underscores the vital role higher education institutions play in promoting human rights, particularly in regard to sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE) rights.

Unmothering the Woman

The "Unmothering the Mother" series on Motherhood and Mothering aims to dismantle mothering stereotypes through storytelling and open discourse with members of the Kenyan public - and women in particular to increase their awareness of mothering and motherhood and overcome related stereotypes.