Against a backdrop of increasing social exclusion and economic hardship faced by LGBTIQ+ communities, more than 100 business executives, civil society leaders, and diplomatic corps members convened at the Free to Be Me Economic Empowerment Forum held in Nairobi, Kenya. The three-day event, hosted by Workplace Pride, Hivos, and the Netherlands Embassy in Kenya, was a groundbreaking step toward designing economies that work for everyone.
Why this forum mattered for LGBTIQ+ economic empowerment
LGBTIQ+ individuals around the world, especially in the Global South, experience systemic economic disadvantages. While some within the community are stereotyped as affluent, most members struggle to access jobs, services, or financial opportunities. Many lose their jobs when “outed” at work, while others avoid investing in their education because of the discrimination. Although large-scale programs exist for issues such as HIV, there are currently no structural efforts specifically addressing poverty reduction, job creation, or developing the economy in LGBTIQ+ communities.
The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare these inequities, as thousands turned to grassroots LGBTIQ+ organizations for survival while mainstream relief efforts actively excluded them. However, as research shows, inclusive societies perform better economically meaning exclusion hurts not only LGBTIQ+ individuals but also the wider society and national prosperity.
Against this backdrop, the Economic Empowerment Forum took place as a regional platform for change, grounded in evidence and guided by the belief that dignity, equity, and prosperity are indivisible.
Regional convening on SOGIESC and economic empowerment
How do we transition from rhetoric about inclusion to practical pathways that transform the lives of LGBTIQ+ individuals? This question has been at the heart of Hivos’ collaboration with the Wellsprings Philanthropic Trust. Since 2023, the Trust has supported pilot projects designed to test and prove the concept of integrating SOGIESC inclusion into economic empowerment.
At Hivos’ recent SOGIESC Economic Empowerment Regional Convening, implementing partners in Africa came together to reflect on key learnings, identify collaboration opportunities, and build on the proof of concept of the pilot models. The partners explored how the pilots have demonstrated practical models of economic inclusion for LGBTIQ+ communities and how these models can be scaled up or adapted to diverse contexts.
The highlight of the session was the stories of change from different countries, which underscored the pilots’ impact and the need for sustained investment. Participants engaged in an interactive dialogue to share reflections and plan next steps, emphasizing collaboration as a driver of future success. Ultimately, the convening reinforced the proof of concept as a foundation for building stronger alliances, amplifying lessons learned, and advancing inclusive economies in which marginalized voices shape solutions.
Skills, strategy, and collective voice
The forum opened with a Communities of Action Skills Building session led by facilitators from Workplace Pride, Hivos, and Lake Region Womxn Health and Equal Rights. Grassroots leaders reflected on what they learned from the Free to Be Me program’s Economic Empowerment Pathway.
The discussions centered on shifts in the communities and the challenges of engaging with businesses. Participants crafted messages for businesses and policymakers focusing on the talent and innovation that LGBTIQ+ people bring, and value and deserve recognition in the current economic systems.
The day also featured insights from the European LGBTIQ+ Chamber of Commerce and knowledge-sharing from the Hivos SOGIESC Economic Empowerment Proof of Concept. Community partners from Nigeria and Kenya shared powerful stories of change, showing how inclusive models from vocational training to tech entrepreneurship can be scaled and sustained.
In the evening, participants gathered at the residence of the Dutch Ambassador, H.E. Henk Jan Bakker, for a networking reception that brought together activists, diplomats, strategic partners and funders in an atmosphere of solidarity and exchange.
Forum for inclusive economies
The following day, the regional stage was set for the Economic Empowerment Forum, which featured a rich program with business leaders, diplomats, and activists. The opening remarks, delivered by Ambassador Henk Jan Bakker, David Pollard (Workplace Pride), and Michel Farkas (Hivos), emphasized the importance of incorporating inclusion into economic systems. Imelda Nguzu, Director of SME Commercialization at Mastercard, delivered the keynote address, setting the tone:
“Inclusion is not charity; it is an essential strategy for building resilient economies and vibrant societies. When we design economies that work for those who have been historically excluded, we create systems that work better for everyone.”
Panels explored the business case for inclusion, and a session titled “Stories from the Heart” featured grassroots voices who brought human stories to the stage. Breakout sessions covered themes ranging from financial access in informal economies to corporate diversity practices. A fireside chat and screening of a Nigeria-based documentary showcased adaptive strategies in restrictive environments.
A call for real change and collective commitment
During the closing of the Workplace Pride Regional economic forum, there were reminders that the work of building inclusive economies cannot end with pilots and programs. Real change requires bold choices and collective commitment. The concept will only grow into lasting change if resources, policies, and partnerships align behind it. The call and next steps were clear:
- Back queer businesses: Invest in LGBTIQ-led enterprises through financing, incubation, and scaling support.
- Shape national agendas: Ensure that LGBTIQ+ economic empowerment is embedded in policies and development plans.
- Prepare for the future: Equip communities with digital, entrepreneurial, and green skills that create sustainable livelihoods.
- Work across sectors: Build strong pipelines between civil society, private sector, and diplomatic actors to open real market access.
- Stand together: Strengthen regional solidarity so African LGBTIQ+ movements can share resources, protect one another, and influence policy at scale.
As the forum came to a close, one message resonated above all: when we remove barriers for those historically excluded, we unlock prosperity for everyone. Economic justice for LGBTIQ+ people is both a human rights imperative and a development necessity. By convening diverse stakeholders, such as grassroots organizers, business leaders, and governments, the event carved out a space where solutions could be co-created, partnerships forged, and commitments made.
About Free to be Me
Free to be Me is an innovative program that builds and maintains a movement of self-confident and diverse LGBTIQ+ organizations and activists who advocate for their human and socio-economic rights. In twelve countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia we support LGBTIQ+ people so they can assert their rights and start change in their community, country and internationally. Free to be Me is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the ‘Power of Voices’ subsidy framework to strengthen civil society. Consortium partners are: Positive Vibes, ILGA World, and Hivos as lead party. Global Interfaith Network (GIN), Workplace Pride and Sogicampaigns are our technical partners.
