Queer WorX participates in Youth Power Hub (YPH) 5 days Training of trainers

Queer WorX has been selected to participate in the Youth Power Hub 5-days Training of Trainer Workshop which is a programme supported by the European Union in Lesotho, UNICEF Lesotho and IOM Lesotho together with Democracy Works Foundation, Development For Peace Education and Skillshare Lesotho.

In an effort to enhance civic participation of youth, these organisations gathered 32 grassroot youth-led and youth-focused organisations from the 10 districts to participate in the Youth Power Hub incubation hub which is expected to run until 2029. From the competitive pool of 267 applicants, and an intensive assessment, Queer WorX is counted among the organisations that will be incubated under YPH.

This programme will provide organisations with crucial training, mentorship and resources to empower youth in Lesotho. The Training of Trainers sessions focused on key issues designed to equip organisations with skills for institutional sustainability: programme development and implementation, overall governance and advocacy.

In the world that is rapidly changing, youth empowerment is critical. Equipping young people with skills, knowledge and confidence is essential to thrive in their communities. Fostering an enabling environment that encourages personal growth and active participation – results in youth becoming leaders and change makers in their own right. 

Youth are diverse, and their voices deserve to be heard. Recognising that young people come from all walks of life, including those living outside the margins, is crucial. YPH is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all young people in Lesotho regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and disability deserve the opportunity to actively participate in their communities and shape their own futures, have a voice and actively participate in decision-making processes. 

Queer WorX mission seeks to strengthen Lesotho’s LGBTIQ+ community by promoting and advocating for economic and social inclusion, equity, and self-sufficiency – with a key focus in supporting LGBTIQ+ youth and Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer (LBQ) women.

The current cultural and socio-political climate in Lesotho often marginalises queer individuals. This exclusion is particularly evident for queer youth, who are frequently overlooked in youth empowerment initiatives. Economic inclusion is a powerful tool to dismantle these barriers. Access to fair employment, unbiased workplaces, and financial stability are fundamental human rights, not privileges. By prioritising economic inclusion, LGBTIQ+ persons break free from the chains of discrimination and contribute fully to society.

The principle of “leaving no one behind” demands a deliberate focus on the most marginalised, this includes the LGBTIQ+ community and people with disabilities. Economic inclusion is not an isolated issue but a crucial component of achieving social equality and equity. Addressing economic disparities creates a foundation for a more just and equitable society where everyone, thrives.

As we advocate for LGBTIQ+ rights, let us recognise the profound impact of marginalisation and the transformative power of economic inclusion. This is not about seeking special treatment but about dismantling systemic barriers that have hindered progress for far too long. By integrating economic and social inclusion into our advocacy efforts, we can work towards a society where everyone can flourish and contribute meaningfully to our collective humanity.

We believe that economic inclusion and participation of queer persons is a powerful tool to dismantle systemic barriers that have hindered progress for far too long. Access to fair employment, unbiased workplaces, and financial stability are fundamental human rights, not privileges. By prioritising economic inclusion, LGBTIQ+ persons break free from the chains of discrimination and contribute fully to society.