CEDEP Enhances LGBTIQ+ Advocacy Through Collaborative Engagement

Last week we had an impactful two-day engagement convened by CEDEP, aimed at enhancing the LGBTIQ+ advocacy agenda. This event brought together civil society organizations, activists, and community leaders to address pressing issues and strategize for meaningful change within the community in improving Advocacy for the Rights and Inclusion of LGBTQI+ People.

In his opening remarks, Gift Trapence, Executive Director of CEDEP, emphasized the importance of unity among civil society organizations. He stated,

“We stand at a pivotal moment in our fight for equality and justice. Together, we must address the pressing issues facing our community, share our successes, and amplify our collective efforts for meaningful change.”

This call for solidarity resonated throughout the engagement, highlighting the critical importance of collaboration in achieving the goals of the LGBTIQ+ movement.

During the discussions, participants shared insights on the significant impact of funding cuts on key population-led organizations, particularly concerning outreach efforts. These cuts have created challenges in delivering essential services and support to the community. The engagement served as a platform to brainstorm innovative strategies to counteract these challenges and prioritize interventions that can effectively meet the needs of LGBTIQ+ individuals.

Zikani Nyirenda, Executive Director of the Gender Collective, remarked,

“It is crucial that we pool our resources and efforts to support each other. By working together, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our rights are upheld.”

In a significant commitment to the community, CEDEP announced that it will provide financial support of approximately 7 million kwacha to each of the ten LGBTIQ+ led organizations to implement advocacy activities. This funding aims to empower these organizations to implement vital activities that will enhance advocacy and support for LGBTIQ+ individuals.

As the event concluded, there was a strong sense of determination among participants to continue pushing for change. The discussions over the past two days have equipped us with new perspectives and strategies to enhance our advocacy efforts.