The journey of Ekwei and Kutchidja in Mozambique Mozambican LGBTIQ+ organizations Ekwei and Kutchidja exemplify resilience in the face of adversity. Before receiving capacity-strengthening grants, they struggled with a lack of organizational structure, limited networks, and absent strategic planning. These barriers hindered growth and transparency, impeding their potential to secure vital resources. The Free to […]
From staunch opponent to an immovable pillar of support Under the increasing public support pillar of the Free to Be Program, some partners in Kenya, with support of our Technical partners Sogicampaigns and the Global Interfaith Network, have worked to facilitate increased acceptance of LGBTIQ+Kenyans within their families in critical services, including law enforcement. Evangelist […]
Free to Be Me Capacity Strengthening Officer Makena caught up with Teddy Munyimani, a former FTBM CoA Facilitator who is now the Programmes Manager at GALZ, the FTBM Host Organisation in Zimbabwe. Teddy recently attended the Dutch Advocacy Week in the Netherlands, which focused on sustaining Dutch funding for global health and sexual and reproductive […]
In recent months, Zimbabwe has seen an alarming increase in hostility towards the LGBTIQ+ community, reflected in both government rhetoric and societal attitudes. While no new anti-LGBTIQ+ laws have been passed, the environment has become more oppressive, with state officials and media playing a significant role in fostering this negative climate. One of the key […]
A new survey carried out by the EU System for an Enabling Environment (EU SEE) network exposes the impact of the US funding freeze on civil society organizations (CSOs) in over 50 countries.
In this crime thriller, we follow queer detective Pooja, who struggles to hide her identity in a society where there is no tolerance for queer people.
Three years ago, friends and entrepreneurs Rodney, Adam and Chris joined forces to establish the Queer and Allied Chamber of Commerce of Africa (QACC Africa). Their mission: to create a safe and supportive environment for queer entrepreneurs. From homophobic suppliers to difficulties in obtaining a loan – queer entrepreneurs in Africa face significant challenges. And […]
The far-reaching social implications of climate change can be difficult to comprehend, but in the rural district of Rufunsa, Zambia, they are painfully evident. Climate-induced droughts have led to a cascade of health and social crises one might not immediately think of: diseases, school dropouts, child marriages, and the exploitation of vulnerable youth. Climate change-induced […]
Every day, LGBTIQ+ activists risk their safety to fight for justice and equality. They face threats, physical violence, online harassment, false accusations, and targeted disinformation campaigns. Some are prosecuted, hacked, or attacked simply for speaking out. In extreme cases, these threats silence them forever. The Bessy Ferrera Emergency Fund exists to take action and provide […]
With rising restrictions on civil society and freedom of expression across the world, digital tools have offered new opportunities for safe collaboration and access to information. Yet these tools are also increasingly being undermined by sophisticated digital surveillance and attacks from both state and non-state actors. To address these challenges, Hivos, with support from NORAD, […]
This weekend we received the devastating news that Muhsin Hendricks was shot and killed in Cape Town on February 15. Muhsin was a Muslim scholar and known as the first openly queer imam. He created safe spaces where queer Muslims could practice their faith and find a support structure. Muhsin was very courageous and overcame […]
The ties between Latin America and the Kingdom of the Netherlands through the Caribbean Netherlands mean that these neighboring territories share many challenges – from climate change to public safety – and need to work together effectively to address them. Hivos and the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) recently convened a panel of experts […]