Botswana: jkwe'n

This story highlights how the Marang Fund supported community-led action, evidence-based advocacy, and regional movement building across Southern Africa. Through baseline research, partner-driven projects, and strategic commemorations, the initiative strengthened solidarity and advanced LGBTIQ rights.

The Marang LGBTIQ Fund continues to foster change through evidence-based advocacy, community leadership, and regional collaboration. Its work is rooted in listening to partners, acting with intention, and building alliances that strengthen movements across Southern Africa.

A key milestone was the rollout of the baseline attitude survey, designed to gather public perceptions on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics. This created an essential reference point to track change over time while encouraging partners to reflect on how stigma and misinformation influence daily interactions. The findings helped refine advocacy strategies and informed programme design across multiple countries.

Beyond data collection, partners implemented a wide range of initiatives. These included safe-space activities, legal literacy workshops, psychosocial support, youth engagement, and community dialogues. Their efforts responded to local realities and strengthened pathways to legal and health services while supporting individuals affected by discrimination and exclusion.

Advocacy was amplified through key moments in the LGBTIQ calendar such as Intersex Awareness Day, Transgender Day of Remembrance, Spirit Day, and Gender Day at the SADC Heads of State Summit. These moments increased visibility and encouraged public education through media engagement, webinars, and storytelling. Governance structures such as the Project Steering Committee ensured strategic alignment, shared learning, and coordinated responses to emerging challenges.

Movement building remains central to this work. Partnerships with allied organisations, faith leaders, media institutions, and legal actors strengthened solidarity and reinforced the connection between LGBTIQ rights and broader human rights struggles. These collaborations contributed to a growing ecosystem committed to sustained, informed action.

The change is significant because it combines data-driven advocacy with community leadership and regional movement strengthening. The approach ensures long-term impact by centring lived experience, improving understanding, and promoting inclusive policies. Sustainability will rely on continued collaboration, reflection, and strategic adaptation as the Action progresses.