Tanzania: Standing proud on LGBTQI rights

In a country that is proposing even harsher laws for same-sex sexual activity; and with ongoing violence and societal discrimination against the LGBTQI community, there is a growing movement, nurturing leaders to combat these conservative forces.

Rainbow Womxn Consortium (RWC) is a feminist activist network committed to advancing freedom, justice and bodily autonomy for all womxn in Tanzania. RWC focuses on building and strengthening partnerships and synergies among feminist and LGBTQ+ movements, the convergence of which promotes a shared understanding of justice and bodily autonomy as a fundamental and inalienable necessity, presenting fertile ground for cross-movement building and exchange of knowledge and insights.

Evelyn Mushi in Tanzania is using her space as a leader to drive transformative change in her hometown Bagamoyo, about LGBTQI rights. Through her participation and leadership in the Rainbow Womxn Consortium (RWC) she has grown in confidence as she brings the message home to her rural community.

“I found myself stepping into the limelight, running for leadership roles within the consortium, eventually securing a significant leadership position. This achievement reverberates not just in the corridors of the consortium but resonates profoundly in the rural expanse of Bagamoyo. It is here, in a setting distinct from urban landscapes, that the LBTQ womxn movement can tackle issues hitherto unexplored, such as forced marriages, which catalyse a cascade of problems for LBTQ womxn, ranging from violence to sexually transmitted infections (STIs)”

Mushi talks about her experience “My journey unfolds within the confines of the Tanzania Women Empowerment and Support Organization (TAWESO) an organization that has become a beacon of hope, tirelessly working towards the advancement of human rights, the eradication of gender-based violence, and the facilitation of greater accessibility to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for queer womxn in our community.

The symbiotic relationship between TAWESO and Eagle Wings has flourished, culminating in our esteemed membership within the LBTQ womxn movement under the encompassing umbrella of the Rainbow Womxn Consortium. This union of forces took root during a momentous inception meeting held in the heart of Dar es Salaam.

Our involvement has extended beyond mere participation; TAWESO actively engaged in the meticulous collection of data, contributing to vital research on gender-based violence and the accessibility of SRHR services within Bagamoyo. This fervent commitment led to a transformative invitation to join the consortium, an invitation that proved to be a catalyst for positive change. The spectrum of activities organized by the Rainbow Womxn Consortium has been nothing short of transformative, with leadership training emerging as a cornerstone endeavour.

The leadership training initiative has bestowed upon both myself and TAWESO an invaluable arsenal of skills, enabling us to set robust standards and navigate the complex terrain of leadership with newfound proficiency. The impact was so profound that, in October 2023, I found myself stepping into the limelight, running for leadership roles within the consortium, eventually, securing a significant leadership position. This achievement reverberates not just in the corridors of the consortium but resonates profoundly in the rural expanse of Bagamoyo. It is here, in a setting distinct from urban landscapes, that the LBTQ womxn movement can tackle issues hitherto unexplored, such as forced marriages, which catalyze a cascade of problems for LBQ womxn, ranging from violence to sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The reverberations of this project extend far beyond leadership positions and strategic planning. It has kindled a new era of innovative thinking within TAWESO, compelling us to reimagine and revitalize our approach to community engagement and empowerment. Collaborating with fellow consortium members, we are weaving the fabric of a comprehensive strategic plan, drawing inspiration not only from our collective wisdom but also from the overarching guidance provided by the Rainbow Womxn Consortium as an inclusive and nurturing umbrella organization.

Fundraising endeavours have become a communal effort, a testament to the collaborative spirit within the consortium. The ripple effects of advocacy training have been profound, offering a detailed roadmap for instigating positive changes within our community. As we navigate this intricate web of transformation, I find solace in the fact that this project has not only elevated TAWESO but has also elevated our entire rural organization to a platform of influence and impact.

The positive metamorphosis brought forth by this project is particularly noteworthy for a rural organization like ours, situated on the fringes of urban dynamism. The consortium’s unwavering support and collaborative ethos have empowered us to confront and address the unique challenges faced by LBQ womxn in rural areas. As we chart the course through these transformative waves, the project stands as a symbolic lighthouse, guiding us towards a future where our contributions resonate far beyond Bagamoyo, reaching into the broader tapestry of the LBTQ womxn movement in Tanzania.”

Since its formation in 2019, RWC has been the only coalition in Tanzania that builds and strengthens partnerships and synergies among feminist and LGBTQ+ movements, leading to a shared understanding of justice and bodily autonomy as fundamental and inalienable necessities achievable through cross-movement building and exchange of knowledge and insights. Their efforts are already leading to LBTQ women activists and leaders’ ability to offer a unified and nuanced advocacy messaging that speaks to the intersectionality of SRHR issues and the complexity of feminist and LBTQ women’s lives in Tanzania.