Pan Africa ILGA: Our Journey

What is PAI?

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. We are connected to a global movement through ILGA, serving more than 1300 LGBTI groups worldwide.

About PAI

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 (sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics).

Our Origins

PAI was founded in 2007 in response to the need for a unified voice for LGBTIQ+ rights across the African continent. Starting with just 60 activists at our first conference, we've grown into a powerful network connecting LGBTIQ+ organizations across Africa.

Our Mission

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.

PAI's Milestones

2007

First PAI Regional Conference

Johannesburg, South Africa

60 attendees

2010

2nd PAI Regional Conference

Nairobi, Kenya

200 attendees

2014

3rd PAI Regional Conference

Johannesburg, South Africa

184 attendees

2018

4th PAI Regional Conference

Gaborone, Botswana

327 attendees

2021

5th PAI Regional Conference (Virtual)

Johannesburg, South Africa

1007 attendees

Our Impact

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.

Our Work

Advocacy

We devise advocacy strategies to hold governments accountable and advocate for the protection, promotion and respect of LGBTIQ+ rights in Africa.

Capacity Building

We contribute to the growth and capacity development of members by strengthening regional training and advocacy initiatives.

Research and Documentation

We promote research and documentation of human rights violations in collaboration with domestic LGBTIQ+ rights activists and other human rights organisations.

Information Hub

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.

Looking Ahead

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.

Our Key Areas of Work

Advocacy

We engage with regional and international human rights mechanisms to advance LGBTIQ+ rights across Africa.

Capacity Building

We strengthen LGBTIQ+ organizations through training, resource sharing, and networking opportunities.

Research

We conduct and support research on LGBTIQ+ issues to inform advocacy and policy-making.

Solidarity

We foster connections and mutual support among LGBTIQ+ communities across the continent.

Join Our Movement

Together, we can create a more inclusive and just Africa for all LGBTIQ+ individuals.

Get Involved