Free to Be Me participated in the recent Global Philanthropy Project 2024 funding summit in Cape Town, South Africa. This crucial event presented an opportunity to advocate for increased funding for LGBTIQ+ rights amidst a concerning trend of shrinking support. During a panel discussion on the evolving geopolitical landscape of funding and the challenges posed […]
In the lead up to documenting the voices of parents of LGBTIQ+ Kenyans, Free to Be Me partners GIN and Sogi Campaigns conducted dialogue sessions with parents and allied faith leaders. The aim was to help address harmful attitudes and behaviours with deep roots in religion and culture and also to create an environment in […]
In many of the countries where the Free to Be Me program operates, anti-gender and anti-rights movements have been gaining traction, leading to regressive policies and heightened societal hostility toward LGBTIQ+ individuals. These movements often exploit cultural, religious, and political narratives to gain support, fueled by misinformation, fearmongering, and the manipulation of cultural and religious […]
Economic empowerment is a crucial element in achieving inclusion and contributing to the well-being of LGBTIQ+ communities globally. At the Free to Be Me Program side event, themed Unlocking Economic Empowerment for LGBTIQ+ Communities advocates, policymakers, grassroots leaders, donors and allies gathered to spotlight innovative solutions, discuss challenges, and go over opportunities for economic justice. […]
Mozambique is facing a severe political and social crisis following the October 2024 elections, marked by violence, repression, and a heavy police and military presence, especially in Maputo. This has created a climate of fear, disrupting commerce and public transport and worsening economic hardships for citizens. Businesses are struggling, and unemployment has risen, disproportionately affecting […]
At the end of November 2024, young entrepreneurs showcased ground breaking agricultural innovations at the Urban Futures Spark My Urban City Green youth climate conference. Held over two days in Harare, the event brought together agro-entrepreneurs from Chongwe, Kitwe (Zambia), Bulawayo, and Harare (Zimbabwe). The conference emphasized youth leadership and collaboration, with a focus on […]
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains one of the most widespread human rights abuses globally. Shockingly, it is estimated that 1 in 3 women worldwide will endure physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. The safety of women, especially young girls, is threatened across the globe. To support the global call to end violence […]
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Thanks to the support of donors, Hivos has been fighting alongside Indigenous communities for years to protect the Amazon and their rights.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global movement dedicated to raising awareness and fostering action to end gender-based violence (GBV). Held annually from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day, the campaign highlights the systemic nature of GBV and calls […]
This week, we join the global community in celebrating Women Entrepreneurship Day, a day dedicated to recognizing and empowering women who are turning their dreams into successful businesses. In our ongoing commitment to support women entrepreneurs through the S(HE) Matters project, this year we highlight the journeys of two remarkable women whose lives were transformed […]
To observe this year’s International Day of Rural Women, our S(HE) Matters project hosted a sanitary pad-making workshop for 40 farm workers in Mazowe District, Zimbabwe, in partnership with the General Agriculture and Plantation Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe (GAPWUZ) facilitated by Pad Up Zimbabwe. Besides helping reduce period poverty, the workshop aimed at improving menstrual […]