BIO’s Week-Long Capacity Strengthening Exchange Visit Energizes CEDEP

Last week, from 9^th to 13^th February, CEDEP welcomed a delegation from the Bridge Initiative Organization (BIO), an NGO based in Zanzibar, for a week-long capacity-strengthening exchange visit facilitated by the Commonwealth Equality Network (‘the Network’). During this time, BIO collaborated with CEDEP to share insights on crisis response, while CEDEP highlighted its expertise in stakeholder engagement.

Michael, Omar and cedep staff with police at Area 18 police station

Omar Mussa, BIO’s Advocacy and Communication Officer, expressed his satisfaction with CEDEP’s collaborative approach: “Collaboration among stakeholders is vital. I have learned that working together enhances the safety and security of all communities.” He praised CEDEP’s climate change program, advocacy projects, and the operation of the Drop-in Center (DIC), highlighting these as areas that BIO intends to explore further for potential implementation in Zanzibar.

The visit included meetings and discussions with key stakeholders, including state and non-state actors, such as the Malawi Human Rights Commission, the Police, Timveni, the Diversity Forum, and various KP-led organizations like Angaza and The Voice, showcasing the impact of the collaboration and partnerships that CEDEP has with them. Their discussions emphasized collaborative projects with CEDEP, proving crucial in exploring collective efforts and methodologies, and underscored a collective commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all, marking a significant stride forward in their shared mission.

Gift Trapence, Executive Director of CEDEP, highlighted the importance of these exchanges, stating that the visit has deepened their understanding of strategies to address crises affecting LGBTQ+ people in Malawi. “We will certainly implement some of the lessons learned in our own context,” he remarked.

Michael Rapley who supported the visit on behalf of the Network expressed gratitude to both BIO and CEDEP for their dedication to the programme, noting that the visit has enriched their understanding of how to best implement such a programme: “This experience has been enlightening. The insights gained here will be instrumental in shaping our pilot project and ensuring its success.”

The visit was part of The Commonwealth Equality Network’s pilot member exchange programme, which supports members of the Network to learn from one another in each other’s countries. The programme is delivered by Kaleidoscope Trust, host to the Network’s Secretariat.