Pakasipiti

Country: Zimbabwe
Sector: LGBTQ+
Link to Organisation Page:  Pakasipiti page

Pakasipiti, meaning "oasis" in English, is a dedicated and nurturing space for LBQ (Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer) activists in Zimbabwe. In the ecological sense much like an oasis in the desert, Pakasipiti serves as a vital refuge and a source of sustenance for the LBQ community. It is a place where activists gather to cultivate empowerment, solidarity, and advocacy. Pakasipiti is an organization committed to promoting a Zimbabwean LBQ community that enjoys equality and visibility.

They work to transform Zimbabwe into a place where all LBQ persons enjoy the full range of human rights, secure in the knowledge that they are recognized as full citizens, with rich and diverse cultures, and a significant and respected presence in all spheres of life, through personal and organizational growth. Their work is shaped by a feminist understanding, informed by research, and strengthened by the claiming of social and economic power.

Pakasipiti is implementeing a ‘Young Women’s Feminist School’ aimed at empowering diverse young women, particularly LBQ individuals, sex workers, women with disabilities, those with albinism, and rural women. Over eight months, this programme will focus on understanding feminism through an intersectional lens, addressing the digital divide as a critical avenue for exploring women's rights and gender justice. Participants will engage in artistic expression as a means to voice their experiences in a context where conventional narratives are often suppressed. The curriculum will include workshops on advocacy, personal narratives, and the role of technology in feminist discourse. Additionally, four talks will be hosted in various towns, providing a platform to amplify participants' voices and insights. This initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding of feminism and its potential to drive social change in Zimbabwe, cultivating a new generation of women activists.