The Canadian Embassy has funded Nyasa Rainbow Alliance (NRA) to implement a project that will promote equality and social inclusion for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) community and provide actionable steps for individuals, departments and government to contribute to this this effort. The fight for equality and social inclusion for LGBTQ community is a long and challenging journey in Malawi. While significant progress has been made in recent years, there is still work to be done to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, are treated with respect and dignity.
The objective of this project is to implement ways that can reduce discrimination, violence and harm to LGBTQ+ individuals. Every individual has the right to live free from discrimination and prejudice. LGBTQ+ rights are human rights and upholding these rights is crucial to building a just and equitable society.
NRA and the Canadian Embassy are aiming to achieve several things from this project. The project wishes to orient members on safety and security which will highlight on awareness on legal issues including their rights: to support efforts that protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, such as anti-discrimination laws, transgender rights and anti-harassment.
The project aims to train and sensitize police officers on best ways in which they can handle cases or complaints from the LGBTQ+ community.
The project would like to raise awareness on the prevention of violence targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and seeking to create safe spaces and a welcoming environment for people in the community.
Lastly, the project will develop an advocacy strategy that will serve as a document to follow in how we operate as a human rights organization that deals with LGBTQ+ rights.
This project will be implemented in four districts, namely, Lilongwe, Zomba, Mangochi and Mzuzu.
Promoting equality and social inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community in Malawi will be a collective responsibility that will require ongoing efforts from individuals, communities, organizations and government.
-SC