Trans rights are human rights

As we come to the end of Pride month, Womankind commits to celebrating and supporting the rights of LGBTIQ+ community not just in our focus countries but around the world. This is staying true to our commitment of a feminist future and gender equality.

Globally over 65 countries still criminalise LGBTIQ+ relationships whilst the death penalty is a living reality in 14 of these countries. Recently, we’ve seen shifts in countries like the UK and US that were once seen as progressive in the support and promotion of LGBTIQ+ identities regress in their progressive laws.  

On 16 April 2025, the UK Supreme Court ruled the legal definition of a ‘woman’ which according to the Equality Act 2010 is based on biological sex. In essence this means that a trans woman with a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) is not considered a woman under the Equality Act 2010.  

This ruling has raised a lot of questions and concerns about how the UK will protect the human rights of trans people. It leaves us with chilling questions such as:  

• How will people be able to access vital services like healthcare? 
• How will people access refugees and homeless hostels if they are perceived as trans?  
• How does this impact people’s wellbeing if they are excluded from society? 
• What does this ruling mean to the society in general and trans people in the UK today? 
• Why are people choosing to demonise trans people despite the evidence that trans people are 4 times more likely than cisgender people to experience violent crime? 

With this being the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action- it’s quite concerning that the UK- an ally of human rights has been quick to rescind its duty of care towards citizens regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation. 

We also welcome the latest move by the Trans+ Solidarity Alliance, TransActual, Equality Network and Scottish Trans, Trans Safety Network and Feminist Gender Equality Network– through a joint letter urging the Council of Europe to lodge investigations over the supreme court ruling. 

In addition, feminist movements, charities and service providers have encouraged the equalities watchdog to extend the consultation period that will inform the guidance regarding the ruling – as it will have a huge impact on the lives of trans people and needs sufficient consideration.  

At Womankind we are proud to be working with incredible women’s rights organisations that focus on LBTQI+ identities including Mitini Nepal, FARUG in Uganda, Minority Women in Action in Kenya and Pakisipiti in Zimbabwe. 

Pride month is always an avid reminder about  how we show up for our trans colleagues, friends, neighbours, and family members to promote inclusion in the face of continuous adversity. 

Diana Njuguna and Disha Sughand are the Co-CEOs of Womankind Worldwide