Center for the Development of People (CEDEP) Malawi aims to protect the rights of s*xual minority groups (s*x workers, LGBT, prisoners) through research and advocacy. Though the page is currently being built, we envision that, in the future, this will be a nice way for you to stay updated on CEDEP's activities in Malawi and beyond. We plan to share links, information, and stories of interest to th
e larger s*xual minority community in sub-Saharan Africa. We are also, of course, interested in networking with other similarly-minded organizations working in neighboring countries or further afield. Should a comment be posted to this wall, it will be immediately deleted (or vetted) by page administrators. More about CEDEP:
Established in 2006, CEDEP has become a leading human rights organization in Malawi, working closely with other organizations to advocate and lobby for the rights of vulnerable populations and to ensure that all Malawians have access to health, legal, and other services. CEDEP is at the forefront of the fight for the rights of s*xual minorities (especially LGBT* populations) in Malawi. We engage in lobbying and advocacy, and are conducting important research on MSM, WSW, and trans* individuals. We implement civic education, trainings, and capacity building to help LGBT* individuals realize their health, social, and economic rights as they navigate a largely homophobic national context. CEDEP has helped moved forward the national debate on the place of homos*xuality in Malawian society. Each week, we publish a "s*xual minorities corner" op-ed in the national paper, helping to dispel myths about LGBT individuals, and present information about homos*xuality in a clear and concise manner. We have held a number of meetings and trainings targeting stakeholders who have the power to begin to erode homophobia in Malawi: lawyers, health service providers, traditional leaders (chiefs), and religious leaders (sheikhs, pastors). In June 2013, we organized a well-attended and well-received national debate about homos*xuality in Malawi at the University of Malawi. This debate was aired on national radio, reaching a large and diverse audience. In 2009-2010, CEDEP played the key role in releasing the same-s*x couple arrested for so**my and indecent activities under a colonial-era penal code. This particular case is representative of our commitment to not only defend individuals who are persecuted because of their s*xual orientation or preferences, but also speaks to our larger investment in overturning Malawi's anti-homos*xuality laws. Work on this is ongoing. Our everyday grassroots work comprises research, activism, and intervention. We provide friendly health services, counseling, and safer s*x materials to LGBT*-identified individuals. We also provide these individuals with a safe space for building supportive social networks and accessing information to improve their everyday lives. We conducted the first large scale study of HIV among MSM in Malawi; this study was a central catalyst in convincing the Malawi government to begin providing much-needed resources and services to s*xual minority populations. We are currently expanding our research and intervention activities among WSW (who have been largely invisible in Malawi up to now), as well. You can visit our webpage for more information. The webpage is being updated/revamped so is a bit out of date. CEDEP does occasionally welcome volunteers and interns. We are especially interested in interns from Malawi who may share our commitment to human and s*xual rights. If you are interested in interning or volunteering, you should send a private message to our page here. We will be in touch with our application procedures and particulars. Thanks for visiting our page. "Different people, same rights."
