The Initiative for Equality and Non Discrimination (INEND) is a local not-for-profit organisation that researches and undertakes strategic actions towards equality, acceptance and inclusion in the Coast Region of Kenya. They share experiences and collaborate with other stakeholders in an effort to contribute towards tolerance, non-discrimination, acceptance and inclusion of sexual and gender minorities (SGMs).

INEND recognises the universality of human rights in the pursuit of democracy through the participation of everyone in an open, just and democratic society. In the current context however, many sexual and gender minorities have not had the opportunity to engage openly due to laws, policies and attitudes which criminalise activities and people, even beyond what is provided for in existing laws. These in turn, have resulted in threats, insecurity and harassment and thus sexual and gender minorities, who are seen to not be conforming with societal norms, have been forced to operate underground and under high risk, merely because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Objectives

1. To bridge the gap between sexual and gender minorities and the society at large, by educating the public on the human rights of sexual and gender minorities;
2. To engage County officials on policy review and formulations that involve the inclusion and participation of sexual and gender minorities;
3. To actively contribute towards a proactive, and not reactive response from the broader society;
4. To build a critical mass that ensures the inclusion and participation of sexual and gender minorities in public and community projects/activities/forums.

INEND will build on the already existing work being carried out by sexual and gender minority organisations working in the Coast region by engaging in proactive advocacy, sensitisation and awareness creation, and thus building a bridge between sexual and gender minorities and the society. This will be done through the targeting of community and religious leaders, Government institutions, private sector businesses, and ultimately the broader society, with a focus on those who have been accused of violating the rights of sexual and gender minorities. INEND will create champions of change within these different sectors and be the bridge that connects the broader society and sexual and gender minorities.

The Gays and Lesbians Coalition of Kenya (GALCK), an umbrella organisation with nationwide representation, has initiated a Multi-Tier Approach (MTA) for the realisation of human rights for sexual and gender minorities. The overall goal of the MTA is the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity as grounds for protection, anchored in human rights norms, thus promoting equality and non-discrimination, and reinforcing mechanisms of legal protection for gender and sexual minorities. This goal of the MTA can be realised by having activities that target internal stakeholders, health, the legal environment, media and even religious orders. The work that INEND will undertake will feed into the incremental approach by GALCK’s MTA, as specified by the strategic actions identified below.

Background

Initiative for Equality and Non-Discrimination is an organization registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee, to promote harmony and peaceful co-existence, through the promotion and protection of human rights and democratic values.

INEND was formed to work under the following thematic areas.

1. Policy and Law
2. Research and Documentation
3. Advocacy through Training, Sensitization and Security

Vision

Entrenched harmony, peaceful coexistence and dignified lives for all

Mission

To create an enabling environment where sexual minorities are respected, treated with worth and peacefully co-exist within the society, utilising advocacy, knowledge generation, communication, community engagement and the strengthening of community systems.

Core values

• Non-discrimination: they believe in the equality of all human being no matter who they are or who they love. They believe that all human beings are deserving of dignity without exceptions.
• Respect: being equal in dignity and worth, human beings are desirous of respect for the their humanity. They will strive to create environments that enamour respect for the human person and for their dignity and rights. They will respect our lives, our engagements and our partnerships.
• Commitment: They will remain committed to these values, and determined to realise the goals they have set out in the best possible manner.
• Accountability: as they hold others accountable for violations and missteps so shall they hold ourselves to account for the actions and vision to which they commit ourselves.
• Integrity: They believe that holistic consistency in who they are and what they do is fundamental to creating our vision of dignified lives. They will maintain coherence in our words and actions, and work towards entrenching integrity in our engagements and partnerships.