GEC launches Southern Africa regional network
The Global Equality Caucus has officially formalised its network in Southern Africa at a dedicated convening event in Johannesburg (30 November 2023).
The day-long event, ‘African Legislators for Equality’, brought together 20 legislators from 11 countries for a series of dialogues with regional civil society groups, inclusive businesses, international organisations and government officials from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The convening was organised by GEC with its civil society partner, The Other Foundation, and hosted at the headquarters of Nedbank with support from their LGBTI employees forum.
The day’s proceedings began with an opening speech from John Jeffery MP, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Justice, and a keynote address from Hon. Esther Passaris, a Member of Parliament in Kenya and one of GEC’s founding members.
John Jeffery MP delivers an opening speech.
GEC Regional Manager Tshepo Kgositau welcoming attendees.
Acknowledging the swell in anti-LGBT+ sentiment in many countries across Africa, attendees then held a series of panel sessions to discuss how progress in Southern Africa can be protected and built upon.
Topics included a discussion between legislators and civil society actors on the importance of collaboration, a healthcare equity panel examining inclusive policies in the HIV response, and a Global South leadership dialogue featuring Argentina’s Special Envoy on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
Legislators and civil society advocates discuss the importance of collaboration and dialogue.
Legislators and other stakeholders discuss healthcare equity and the HIV response in Southern Africa.
A special session was also convened to approve GEC’s Southern Africa Strategy 2024, with legislators identifying priority areas for GEC to assist in developing inclusive policies and draft legislation.
The event closed with a speech from Graeme Reid, the new UN Independent Expert on SOGI, who welcomed the collective enthusiasm to advocate for equal rights in the Southern Africa region.
Alba Rueda, Argentina’s LGBT+ Envoy, meets with Graeme Reid, UN Independent Expert.
Delegates formalise GEC’s Southern Africa strategy at a special plenary session.
‘African Legislators for Equality’ was co-organised by the Global Equality Caucus and The Other Foundation and hosted at Nedbank. We are grateful for additional support from ViiV Healthcare, the Global Fund, and the SADC Parliamentary Forum.
GEC Regional Manager Tshepo Kgositau with civil society advocates from Namibia.