Muthoni Ngige Email & Phone Number

Nairobi County, Kenya

I bring practical experience, knowledge, and insights as a feminist grassroots organizer to shape UHAIEASHRI's strategic direction and make informed decisions to ensure UHAIEASHRI remains focused on its mission of creating positive change in the daily lived realities of LGBTI and sex worker communities. This is a volunteer role driven by my unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive and empowering environment for marginalized communities.

Nairobi

As Director of Minority Womyn in Action (MWA), I provide strategic leadership to guide our staff, community organizers, and partners in transforming MWA's mission into actionable plans that align with our long-term organizational goals. Since 2015, I have spearheaded initiatives that enhance MWA’s credibility, expand membership, and cultivate strategic partnerships, driving significant growth and impact.In this role, I develop and execute comprehensive strategies to ensure sustainable growth and success. I manage over six funded projects and community-focused support programs, including course offerings and advocacy campaigns, consistently achieving targeted outcomes while aligning with our strategic objectives. A key aspect of my work involves curating and leading virtual and physical events, such as fundraisers, workshops, and exhibitions. These spaces are vital for queer individuals, particularly in a context where they are criminalized, providing them with safe environments to find joy, cultivate support networks, and build community. Through these events, and the courses I develop and facilitate, participants gain valuable skills and knowledge that empower them to navigate and thrive in a hostile environment. My fundraising efforts are crucial to securing the resources needed for program implementation, from writing successful grant proposals to nurturing strong relationships with donors and partners. Through collaboration, communication, and active conference participation, I ensure ongoing support for MWA’s priorities. Moreover, I am committed to fostering a culture of learning within MWA by mentoring staff and community activists, offering growth opportunities, and developing training curricula focused on social justice, advocacy, and well-being.

Nairobi

Research Project Coordinator, tied to Minority Womyn in Action in this community-led study conducted across nine countries. The study, commissioned by COC Netherlands and carried out by Müller, A., Daskilewicz, K., and the Southern and East African Research Collective on Health in 2019, focused on the realities of violence, mental health, and access to healthcare related to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression in East and Southern Africa. Through targeted outreach, I recruited eligible participants, engaged in fieldwork, and administered survey questionnaires, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. I also trained two field workers in research ethics and implemented secure data storage practices to protect participant privacy. The study's insights contribute to advocacy, policy recommendations, and program interventions addressing the specific needs of queer women and non-binary individuals within the broader LGBTI community.

Nairobi County, Kenya

Provided unique contextual knowledge and perspectives on anti-rights/anti-gender/fundamentalist opposition to justice and rights of queer folk in Kenya and wrote a report on radical queer spaces in Kenya

Provided program coordination for the successful convening of the first LGBTI Leadership Academy in Kenya by involvement in finalizing training curricula, coordinating all academy fellows’ retention, placement within community initiatives, guiding fellows in their community projects, and coordinating the involvement of the Academy Think tank advisory members as well as academy faculty.

Nairobi County, Kenya

successfully conducted research to explore ways to improve accessibility and inclusiveness of the Nest Collective events: Strictly Silk and Strictly Silk at Home to Trans folk, Trans women, non-binary, genderqueer, gender diverse, gender non-conforming, intersex, and body diverse folk in Kenya.

Nairobi County, Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya

As a member of the research team of 5 focused on LGBTI normative change in Kenya, my role involved conducting a comprehensive investigation into the impact of norms on the lived experiences of SOGIE-SC (sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression, and sex characteristics) communities in Kenya. We examined the various aspects of normative change, including legal norms, social norms, and cultural norms, and explored how they influence the well-being and rights of LGBTI individuals. Through our research, we assessed the existing efforts related to SOGIE-SC norm shift work and identified the opportunities and barriers that affect the progress of normative change for LGBTI communities in Kenya. By addressing these crucial dimensions, we aimed to contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges and pathways toward achieving greater acceptance and inclusivity for LGBTI individuals in Kenya.

Kenya

Investigated the ecosystem and players of LGBTQ Conversion Therapy in Kenya’s digital landscape.

Nairobi

As a member of a committee consisting of 10 feminist thinkers, my role involved actively contributing to the design of a 2-day convening drawing young feminist organizers across Kenya. The primary objective of the convening was to facilitate a platform for learning, networking, and skill-building to empower and support young feminists working within intergenerational and intersectional social movements. Collaborating with the committee, I utilized my expertise and insights to shape the agenda, structure, and content of the convening, ensuring it effectively addressed the needs and aspirations of the participants. This platform was important in strengthening the collective power and impact of young feminist organizers in Kenya.

Nairobi

As the festival curator for the OUT Film Festival Nairobi, my role involved leading the design, selection of films, and curation of the event. The festival is hosted by GOETHE and is dedicated to showcasing films that explore and reflect on issues related to Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity (SOGI) in Kenya. With the support of co-curator Jackie Karuti, we aimed to create a safe and inclusive space where members of the community can engage with the films, participate in panel discussions, and interact with renowned filmmakers, actors, and artists. Our goal was to not only provide a regenerative space for LGBTI people but also to spark meaningful conversations and challenge societal perceptions of LGBTI issues. The festival ran from November 7th to November 10th, and focused on the theme "WE DO NOT HAVE THE LUXURY OF SHAME." Through collaboration with local LGBTI organizations, activists, and partners, we successfully organized a four-day event that attracted a significant audience and fostered positive social change through film screenings and discussions. #OFF2018

Limuru

As a board member of Youth Changers Kenya, my role involved contributing to the organization's mission of empowering girls and young women in Kenya through meaningful engagement of girls and young women in policy decisions, facilitating feminist leadership development, and advocating for sexual and reproductive health. I facilitated training sessions for county officials, attended board meetings to provide input and guidance, conducted site visits to observe the organization's income-generating activities, and advised the director on strategic directions. Through my involvement, I aimed to support the organization in achieving its goals and making a positive impact on the lives of girls and young women in Kenya.

Nairobi

In my role as the Solace Project Coordinator, I played a vital role in coordinating and implementing the transformative healing initiative for queer women and non-binary individuals. I utilized my counseling background to create safe and supportive spaces where participants could process their thoughts and emotions within a therapeutic environment. I actively promoted mental health literacy and facilitated queer-affirming healing circles, allowing individuals to share their stories and experiences, fostering a sense of connection and community. Additionally, I provided access to mental health services by referring participants to a network of professionals when needed. I validated the attendees' experiences and equipped them with grounding and affirming strategies to navigate harm and trauma. By organizing opening rituals, courageous dialogues, healing strategy discussions, affirmations, and experiential closings, I ensured a comprehensive and transformative experience for participants. Through my role, I aimed to contribute to the holistic well-being, resilience, and empowerment of queer women and non-binary individuals, addressing systemic injustices and fostering a collective safety net of support within the community.

Nairobi

EDARP, is one of Nairobi's largest TB/HIV prevention and treatment centers. In my role as an addiction counselor, I conducted assessments and provided counseling to individuals facing alcohol and substance use disorders. Working closely with the clinical staff and community healthcare workers, I collaborated on developing comprehensive treatment plans to minimize the progression of HIV/AIDS, promote adherence to antiretroviral therapy and TB/MDR-TB treatment, and improve overall client health. Alongside these responsibilities, I facilitated weekly support groups and teach-ins at three active EDARP sites in Nairobi Eastland, utilizing cognitive-behavioral group therapy techniques and the principles of the AA 12-step program. I also had the opportunity to contribute to the training of community healthcare workers on the relationship between alcohol and drug use and treatment adherence and occasionally organized drug and substance abuse teach-ins for the center's youth during school holidays.

Nairobi

I played a key role in implementing the Families Matter project by raising awareness about sexual risks, promoting positive parenting practices, improving parent-child communication on sexuality, and addressing CSA and GBV issues. Through these efforts, I aimed to empower parents and caregivers to protect and support their children in making informed and healthy decisions regarding their sexual well-being.