Community-Driven · Rights-Based Methodology

Our Strategic Approach

We follow a community-led, rights-based methodology that equips LGBTQ refugees, intersex individuals, and displaced youth to demand and exercise their fundamental rights through economic tools, documentation processing, safe shelter, and advocacy.

MayHem Threads strategic approach
Refugee Transition Pipeline

The 4-Stage Transition Model

How Mayhem Threads facilitates the journey from invisibility to agency on the Kenya–Somalia border:

Stage 01

Sanctuary & Health Stabilization

Immediate admission to non-judgmental temporary safe houses in Garissa & Dadaab. Provision of partner clinic healthcare, malaria treatment, food rations, and trauma counseling.

Stage 02

Legal Recognition & RSD Aid

Personal legal accompaniment through refugee status determination (RSD), anti-corruption advocacy at registration desks, and official intersex/transgender documentation support.

Stage 03

Trade Tools & Enterprise

Handover of productive starter equipment (sewing machines, repair toolkits, sack gardening inputs) paired with business planning and financial literacy training.

Stage 04

Public Advocacy & Leadership

Training in human rights documentation, press releases, and media engagement, positioning refugee beneficiaries to lead community panels and advocate for direct funding.

Research & Media Engagement

Combining technological tools with authentic grassroots dialogue across East Africa.

Media Dialogue

Interactive Radio Series (SDC Somalia Partner)

Executed in collaboration with SDC (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation), reaching citizens across Somalia to gather qualitative insights on Sexual & Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), GBV, and FGM prevention.

Focus Group Research

5 Federal Member States (270+ Voices)

Conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) across 5 Federal Member States targeting marginalized groups to validate research findings and ensure minority refugee voices shape international policy.

FGM Prevention Appeal Campaign Poster
Advocacy Appeal

Advocating for Neglected SRHR Priorities

Our research revealed that while international humanitarian appeals reach billions, crucial interventions like FGM prevention receive as little as **0.3%** of overall funding. Mayhem Threads uses empirical data to advocate for targeted funding directly to grassroots refugee organizations.

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