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 grants proved transformative, enabling both organizations to stabilize financially and invest in research, innovation, and talent. This foundation of growth helped them build networks, attract new partners, and enhance visibility—drawing the attention of donors and supporters alike.
With additional capacity-building activities in organizational management, financial oversight, and governance, Ekwei and Kutchidja expanded their impact. Kutchidja led the first baseline study in Maputo, assessing the economic situation of LGBTIQ+ individuals, which culminated in Mozambique’s first national economic empowerment conference for LGBTIQ+ people. Ekwei, in partnership with the Foundation for Community Development, focused on sexual and reproductive health services for MSM and trans women in northern Mozambique.
Looking ahead, both organizations are committed to sustaining their progress through ongoing training and mentorship, ensuring long-term success. Their story is a powerful reminder of the potential unlocked through strategic capacity-building and resilience.
Capacity Strengthening and Opportunity Building in Ghana
In Ghana, capacity-building initiatives have also been very effective and contributed to advancing the skills of the CoA (Communities of Action). Increasing the effectiveness of the program, one of the alliance partners, Positive Vibes, undertook their signature LiLo (Looking on – Looking out) workshops. These tools were developed within a campaign in the spirit of nurturing self and community at different levels. The inaugural LILO workshop, namely LiLo ID, was a necessary healing workshop for CoA members still grappling with the aftermath of the anti-rights bill introduced in Ghanaian Parliament in 2021. It provided a space for all who have kept apart because of disagreements to come together and heal the rifts that had been in the movement. For some, it was more than a healing opportunity, it was also a moment for them to come to terms with their sexuality or gender identity and gain the courage to keep going.
After the successful launch of the LiLo ID, Positive Vibes began offering other workshops such as the LiLo Inclusion and the LiLo Pathways to Sustainability. LiLo Inclusion concentrated on building greater cooperation with allies given the circumstances that arose with the anti-rights bill. The workshop prepared six allies who will be in charge of conducting the next LiLo Inclusion workshops.
On the sustainability front, the LiLo Pathways to Sustainability workshop proved instrumental in positioning organizations to think ahead and plan for long-term success. One member organization of the CoA noted that they were able to successfully pitch a project to a donor using the skills they learned during the workshop. This has led to an invitation to submit a concept note, showcasing the tangible benefits of the training.
Additionally, the introduction of the LiLo UP’, which is currently in the training phase, is expected to have immense potential once rolled out in-country. It is set to further the reach and impact of the LiLo methodology, providing an accessible and scalable tool for capacity building.
An unexpected outcome of these workshops has been the monetization of facilitation skills. Six facilitators were trained to lead LiLo workshops, and they have since gone on to facilitate multiple workshops, both in Ghana and beyond. Some have even been invited to Nigeria to train members of the LGBTIQ+ community there. This new skill set has become a source of income for these facilitators, further enhancing their livelihoods.
“Not only has The Free to Be Me program given us the opportunity to build our capacities in so many ways, but it has also given CoA members in Ghana the opportunity to do something that generates income. Building the capacities of queer people to facilitate workshops is now an income-generating activity that might not have been initially planned but has become a crucial aspect of the program, “Adisa, Ghana CoA Facilitator
The impact of the Free to Be Me program in Ghana goes beyond capacity strengthening; it is creating lasting change by empowering individuals, building stronger organizations, and fostering resilience in the face of challenges. As the program continues, there is no doubt that it will remain a beacon of hope and progress for LGBTIQ+ rights in Ghana and beyond.
