The Heinrich Boell Foundation, Nairobi, took stock of its work in partnership with several grassroots and national organizations to spotlight the ongoing struggle through a powerful documentary titled "Feminist Resilience: What Does it mean for Justice and Democracy?" amid global crises, shrinking civic space, and shifting funding priorities.
In March, the world marked International Women's Day 2025 under the banner #AccelerateAction. Kenya plays a crucial role in its journey toward gender democracy; however, many efforts to achieve gender justice and equality still seem unattainable.
As the programme cycle 2022-2024 ends, the Foundation took stock of its work in partnership with several grassroots and national organizations to spotlight the ongoing struggle through a powerful documentary titled "Feminist Resilience: What Does it mean for Justice and Democracy?" amid global crises, shrinking civic space, and shifting funding priorities. The film's conversation spotlighted how organizations and movements adapt, cope, and sustain their advocacy work in these turbulent times. The documentary offers a rare and compelling glimpse into the heart of Kenya's feminist movement, paying tribute to the voices, moments, and movements where resilience, advocacy, and collective action intertwine, highlighting what it means for feminist futures.
A Democracy in Question
Despite its proud history of a robust civil society and vibrant political discourse, Kenya's democracy has been tested. Unlawful detentions, forced abductions, and police brutality have undermined civil liberties, such as the right to protest, enshrined in Article 37 of the Constitution. These realities disproportionately affect women, LGBTQI+ individuals, and other vulnerable groups.
Yet, amid this adversity, the seeds of resistance have not only been sown but are flourishing. The documentary captures this tension: a democratic landscape marred by repression but energized by the tireless efforts of feminist advocates determined to shape a more just society.
From One-Party Rule to Feminist Policy
The documentary traces Kenya's political evolution from a one-party system to a multi-party democracy and underscores how this shift created space for feminist organizing. Hbs and its implementing partners have been instrumental in embedding gender justice into governance structures. Through a three-year program (2022–2024), focusing on promoting feminist policies, challenging patriarchy, and advocating for LGBTQI+ rights , a bold and intersectional approach in a profoundly patriarchal society.
Amplifying Voices, Documenting Resistance
Anchored by one-on-one interviews with partners and activists, the documentary weaves a vivid tapestry of lived experiences, policy shifts, and creative resistance. Voices like Naomi Mwaura, Founder of Flone Initiative, and Agostino Neto, Co-convener of Kenya Parliamentary Human Rights Association (KEPHRA), highlight policy influence and grassroots mobilization, while the youth-led #EndFemicide movement, featured through Shyleen Momanyi of Young Women's Leadership Institute (YWLI), speaks to the generational urgency of action.
The inclusion of LGBTQI+ persons, particularly after the 2023 Supreme Court ruling affirming the right of the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC), to register as an NGO, marked a turning point—a great historical moment. However, activists such as Enosh Abuya, Executive Director at The Eagles for Life Kenya, and Shiela Lulu, Programme Officer at NGLHRC, remind us that visibility continues to be a complex issue. While progress is real, threats and backlash persist.
Fragile Gains, Bold Futures
Geopolitical shifts and donor fatigue are emerging as new frontiers of struggle. The withdrawal or restructuring of foreign aid, with the most recent USAID defunding and others, has raised concerns about sustainability and the overreliance on external funding. Nonetheless, the film does not dwell in despair. Instead, it highlights how organizations are innovating to stay afloat and continue their work, with the hope that feminist resilience is not just surviving but evolving to adapt to the changing landscape.
We hope this documentary deepens public engagement, strengthens stakeholder connections, and ultimately accelerates action for a truly inclusive democracy in Kenya.
Watch the full documentary below:
Feminist Resilience: What Does It Mean for Gender Justice and Democracy in Kenya? #GenderForumKE. - Hbs Nairobi
Watch on YouTube