Since its formation, MWA has engaged in activism for LBTI rights and offered social support for its members.  Some of the activities conducted have been:

1. With support from Queer Solidarity (Norway), MWA began a weekly film club.  This enabled the networking thus increase in membership while providing a support link for LBTI’s in Nairobi.

2. In June 2006, MWA participated in the formation of the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya.  This is an umbrella body which caters for LGBTI organizations within Kenya.

3. On 1st of December 2006, MWA participated in the commemoration of World Aids Day.  This was necessitated by the inclusion of MSM and WSW in the national strategic plan for HIV and AIDS policy 2006/10 by the National Aids Control Council.

4. In January 2007, MWA participated in the World Social Forum.  For the first time in Kenya, the LGBTI community came out to the public claiming for their space and recognition. 

5. Following a meeting with the Trust for Health and Culture in August 2007, MWA members resolved to hold monthly meetings.  The meetings aim at networking LBTI’s, helping them to understand and appreciate themselves and enlightening them on different aspects.  Members engage in focus group discussions which encompass sharing of experiences, stories that describe sex patterns, the results and impacts of sexual practices and how these affect their well-being.  Social risks, HIV/AIDs, STI’s, other health risks and diseases are also discussed. 

6. In September 2007, MWA, in its capacity as a member organization within GALCK, participated in organizing the ‘Changing Spaces, Changing Faces Conference’.  The conference brought together activists, donors and resource persons to discuss and update participants of the gay rights movement within East Africa.

7. Despite its limited infrastructure, MWA organizes internal activities, for the sole benefit of its members.  To celebrate its 1-year-existence, members organized a weekend camp.  This resulted in massive appreciation, recognition and increased application for membership by LBTI’s.  Participants learnt of the activities by MWA, lessons learnt, challenges faced, obstacles and future opportunities for this young organization. 

8. Due to the appreciation and the need to grow, all MWA members participated in the drafting of a 5-year strategic plan.  A member, who has the technical experience in strategic planning, voluntarily facilitated this activity

ON-GOING PROJECTS/ACTIVITIES:

Implementation of annual work plan derived from MWA’s Five Year Strategic Plan.

Activities include:
MUAH! Newsletter, Brochures and other disseminative material, establishment of MWA office, video library, other social enterprises, assessment of MWA members’ skills and training needs, capacity building, research on LBTI issues and legislation, review of MWA constitution/ drafting of MWA hand book and operations manual, etc.

For a copy of our Strategic Plan and Annual Workplan please contact us