GALZ LGBTQ 2021-2025

GALZ achieved a significant milestone in February 2023 by opening their annex wellness centre in Harare. The centre provides comprehensive health care services, support, and resources to the LGBTIQ community in a safe and inclusive environment. GALZ's achievement lies in their ongoing sponsorship of the National Journalism and Media Awards (NJAMA) in Zimbabwe, particularly in the SOGIE reporting categories for both the Northern and Southern regions. This sponsorship promotes accurate and inclusive reporting on LGBTI issues, fostering excellence in journalism and creating a platform for showcasing the importance of media representation and understanding of the LGBTI community. GALZ successfully strengthened local and regional advocacy for vulnerable communities, including LGBTI individuals, sex workers, people who use drugs, and people living with HIV. Through the inaugural Advocacy Academy, they built a pan-African movement, empowering activists with knowledge and skills for effective advocacy and promoting human rights and social justice. GALZ successfully participated in the ICASA2023 conference with a delegation of staff and volunteers. GALZ's presence deepened understanding and contributed to discussions on legal protections and human rights-based approaches. The survey indicated that 66% of participants found the attendance highly beneficial. GALZ made a notable achievement by presenting an oral submission to the UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. They addressed barriers faced by LGBTI individuals, advocating for anti-discrimination laws, the repeal of criminalizing laws, and training programs to reduce stigma and discrimination. GALZ's invested in green energy solutions to address load- shedding. They installed solar systems in their resource centers, ensuring uninterrupted power supply, improved communication, cost savings, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. This sets a positive example for other organizations and contributes to a greener energy landscape

The five-year strategic plan of GALZ has one overall aim: "A just society that promotes and protects human rights of LGBTIQ people as equal citizens in Zimbabwe. The strategy has four priority pillars: 1. Membership and Community Empowerment - Expected outcomes: - An all-inclusive empowered movement - Increase in LGBTIQ persons who demand social justice and inclusion - Reduced gender based and sexuality related violence, stigma and discrimination of LGBTIQ persons 2. Knowledge, Documentation and Ideas - Enabling policy and operational environment for LGBTIQ persons and organisations - Publishing of positive media reports by journalists - Increased number of community members sharing their stories - Improved knowledge on gender and sexuality diversity among community members 3. Policy, Law, Human Rights and Access to Justice - Strengthened coalitions advocating for LGBTIQ rights - Strengthened legal strategy for LGBTIQ organisations in Zimbabwe - Improved high level political advocacy engagements - Strengthened partnerships with national, regional and international bodies - Improved quality and uptake of sexual and reproductive health services and commodities by LGBTIQ persons 4. The GALZ Home: Governance, Institutional - Improved governance and compliance to organizational policies aligned to the new strategic plan - Increased long-term funding for the organisation