SMK alumni* programme 2011
There are currently no events planned. Please keep an eye on this page for future alumni events.
Previous events
Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity Advocacy, Kenya
Date: Tuesday 11th January 2011
Time: 1.00 – 2.00 pm
Venue: Which?, 2 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 4DF
http://www.which.co.uk/documents/pdf/london-map-62913.pdf
Starting a new series of SMK alumni lunchtime briefings, Benard Wakoli, SMK International Campaigner Award Winner 2010 will talk about his work in Western Kenya to promote the human rights of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) people.
Benard started his campaign in 2008, having witnessed the suffering that young people who were perceived to be gay experienced in his community. Since then he has been working with a wide range of individuals, groups and grassroots organisations to raise awareness of LGBT issues and highlight the systematic human rights violations this community faces.
Benard says: ‘Everyone has a sexual orientation and a gender identity. When someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity does not conform to the majority, they are often seen as a legitimate target for discrimination or abuse’. He continues to campaign to address this injustice.
Come and meet Benard and hear more about his campaign early next year.
Light refreshments will be available.
RSVP by Tuesday 4th January 2011 to: Clare Parry: clare.parry@smk.org.uk / 020 7700 8189
Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity Advocacy, Kenya
Kenya is one of the many countries in Africa that has declined to back the proposed UN Declaration on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. The proposed declaration, a Dutch/French statement backed by the European Union, includes a condemnation of violence, harassment, discrimination, exclusion, stigmatisation and prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The Western Province of Kenya is 450km from the capital Nairobi, and is a remote rural area where traditional and cultural practices are deeply rooted. There is little room for LGBT issues, which are sometimes considered as foreign/western ‘acquired’ behaviours. Members perceived to belong to the LGBT community are frequently the victims of a wide range of physical and emotional abuses and denied access to basic services. They are also often threatened when they do campaign for their basic human rights. As a result of the campaign there has been a reduction in homophobic attacks in the Western province but more can be done. Through his work with the Yaya Education Trust, Benard wants to expand the campaign to the rest of the country and indeed beyond Kenya to other countries suffering the same injustices.
Benard Wakoli
Benard is a human rights defender based in Western province, Kenya. He is a Global Fellow of the International Youth Foundation and sits on the Eastern Africa steering committee of the Enabling Education Network – UK. Together with like-minded youths, Benard established the Yaya Education Trust in 2005 to champion the rights of marginalised members of society. In 2008, confronted with the harsh realities that friends and members of the LGBT community faced, he set up the Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity Advocacy campaign. Despite working in a hostile environment with limited resources, Benard has helped to develop resource centres for LGBT members and youths and continues to campaign for the respect and protection of their human rights in Kenya’s Bill of Rights.
* The alumni programme is prioritised for past and present SMK award winners and finalists, as well as participants of Influencing Change 2008/09 and previous campaign workshop attendees.
