Nepal has made remarkable progress in recognising the rights of sexual and gender minorities, yet everyday realities often lag behind legal promises—especially for Dalit communities. When caste-based discrimination intersects with queer identity, vulnerability multiplies. To address this, Samari Utthan Sewa (SUS) brought together Dalit queer individuals from across Nepal, creating safe spaces, strengthening networks, and […]
For many LBQGNC (lesbian, bisexual, queer, and gender non-conforming) womxn* in Western Kenya, denied access to health care and justice has been a painful reality. Stigma and systemic exclusion have long stripped them of their right to health, safety, and dignity. Lake Region Womxn Health and Equal Rights (LARWHER), a community-based organisation supported by KIOS, is rewriting this narrative […]
Kenya has witnessed many instances of torture, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, and systemic human rights abuses. Fighting against these injustices are organisations such as IMLU, which has been at the forefront of advocating for a society free from torture since 1993. Despite the challenging socio-political and economic context, IMLU has achieved remarkable change in the […]
According to the 2021 population census report, Indigenous Peoples, also known as Adivasi Janajati, make up around 35.08% of Nepal’s total population of 29,164,578. However, Indigenous experts and organisations believe that the figure exceeds 50%. 60 Indigenous groups are officially recognised, while 19 more listed in the 2021 census still await legal recognition. For nearly […]
Since 2019, Équité, a grassroots LGBTQIA+ organisation in Sri Lanka, has been working to transform the experiences of young queer people across the country. Backed by KIOS from the start, Équité launched the Changemakers Project — an ambitious initiative designed to empower LGBTQIA+ youth, build safe spaces for connection and support, and increase the visibility […]
In a country where Dalit women face systemic discrimination and marginalisation, the work done by the Feminist Dalit Organisation (FEDO) has catalysed transformative changes for the Dalit community – and the whole country. With support from KIOS, FEDO’s long-standing mission to empower Dalit women and girls has led to increased awareness of their rights, greater […]
In the heart of Meru County, Kenya, lies the small but resilient village of Ariamawoi and its Turkana community. This community has long fought against isolation and resource scarcity. Their living conditions have relied heavily on NGOs and church donors, as they have had no access to government support. Thanks to the community’s determination and […]