Pan Africa ILGA (PAI) is a network of organizations in Africa working to improve human rights for individuals on all grounds, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics.
Pan Africa ILGA (PAI) is the African regional branch of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA). We are a federation of 200+ organizations working for human rights and equality for LGBTIQ+ people across Africa.
Our network spans over 45 African countries, making us one of the largest and most diverse LGBTIQ+ organizations on the continent. We work tirelessly to unite and empower LGBTIQ+ communities, advocate for policy changes, and combat discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics.
Through our regional conferences, training programs, and advocacy initiatives, we strive to create a more inclusive and just Africa where all individuals can live freely and equally, regardless of their SOGIESC.
PAI was founded in 2007 in response to the urgent need for a unified voice for LGBTIQ+ rights across the African continent. What began as a small gathering of 60 passionate activists at our first conference has blossomed into a powerful network connecting LGBTIQ+ organizations across Africa.
From humble beginnings to continent-wide impact, PAI has been at the forefront of LGBTIQ+ advocacy for over 15 years.
PAI's mission is to challenge and change mindsets of communities in Africa on SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics) and related work through unifying and strengthening LGBTIQ+ organisations.
We confront discriminatory attitudes and policies head-on.
We work tirelessly to transform societal perceptions and legal frameworks.
We bring together LGBTIQ+ organizations to create a powerful, unified voice.
The 1st PAI Regional Conference brought 60 activists together from across the continent.
The second steering committee meeting was held at the ILGA World conference.
The PAI 2nd Regional Conference brought together 200 participants from 34 countries.
The PAI 3rd Regional Conference was attended by 184 delegates from 34 countries.
The PAI 4th Regional Conference was attended by 327 delegates from 37 African countries.
The PAI 5th Regional Conference was held virtually with 1007 delegates attending.
Since our inception, PAI has grown to represent over 200 organizations from more than 45 African countries. We've played a crucial role in advancing LGBTIQ+ rights through regional advocacy, capacity building, and creating spaces for collaboration and knowledge sharing among activists and organizations.
We devise advocacy strategies to hold governments accountable and advocate for the protection, promotion and respect of LGBTIQ+ rights in Africa.
We contribute to the growth and capacity development of members by strengthening regional training and advocacy initiatives.
We promote research and documentation of human rights violations in collaboration with domestic LGBTIQ+ rights activists and other human rights organisations.
We serve as a communication hub for information exchange and offer information resources through the PAI website and other social media to support and link members.
As we continue our journey, PAI remains committed to building our movement and strengthening the efforts of our membership on the ground in all regions of the continent. We will continue to inspire innovative approaches to combating hate and prejudice while striving to improve the daily lives of LGBTIQ+ individuals across Africa.
We engage with regional and international human rights mechanisms to advance LGBTIQ+ rights across Africa.
We strengthen LGBTIQ+ organizations through training, resource sharing, and networking opportunities.
We conduct and support research on LGBTIQ+ issues to inform advocacy and policy-making.
We foster connections and mutual support among LGBTIQ+ communities across the continent.
Together, we can create a more inclusive and just Africa for all LGBTIQ+ individuals.
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