Through its conference, Égides offered more than 300 participants representing different French-speaking countries a space where experiences, visions, and solidarity intertwined to advance LGBTQ2I rights and strengthen their French-speaking networks.
Alongside Égides, Fondation Émergence, and international partners from Fierté Afrique Francophone, as well as organizations from Cameroon, Burundi, and the DRC, we led a workshop to share lessons learned and celebrate the results of projects funded through the Act Together for Inclusion Fund.
The speakers generously shared highlights from the projects Pour moi, pour les autres (For Me, For Others) and Eding — meaning “love” in Ewondo. In a context where donors rarely fund initiatives specifically dedicated to mental health, Pour moi, pour les autres has demonstrated the crucial impact of a program entirely devoted to the well-being of LGBTQI+ activists. These spaces for mutual aid, respite, and capacity building meet a vital need in often hostile environments. For its part, Eding illustrates the importance of supporting the political inclusion of LGBTQI+ communities by equipping them to participate in electoral processes, observe and defend their rights, even in contexts marked by democratic setbacks.
A big thank you to the Égides team, led by the inspiring Michaël Arnaud, for their warm welcome and impeccable organization, as well as to everyone who attended for their energy, generosity, and commitment.
Let’s continue to build bridges, amplify voices, and celebrate our victories—big and small—wherever we are.