Fun Fast Facts
- In late December 2009, a trans woman, Tiwonge Chimbalanga, and a man, Steven Monjeza, were arrested after holding a traditional “engagement” party. On 18 May 2010, they were found guilty of having committed “unnatural offenses” and “indecent practices between males”. On 29 May 2010, then President Bingu wa Mutharikapardoned both individuals.
- In April 2010, President Bingu wa Mutharika condemned acts of homosexuality.
- In November 2012, President Joyce Banda suspended all laws that criminalized homosexuality.
- In April 2013 Media Freedom International reports that the Malawian government has suspended its internationally infamous anti-gay laws, on the grounds that the laws may be unconstitutional.
LGBT organisation: Umunthu Foundation
- ‘The word “Umunthu” comes from Chichewa, a vernacular Malawian language, meaning “humanity to others” and it focuses on people’s allegiances and relations with each other.
- The fight against HIV/AIDS began when the the Umunthu Foundation’s founder David Odali implemented a VCT (Voluntary Counselling and Testing) initiative aimed at behavioral change and minimizing the reinfection rate amongst those who had tested HIV positive and preventing infection among those who tested HIV negative.
- Umunthu ultimately wishes not only to combat HIV/AIDS, but to transform the daily reality of rural Malawians.
LGBT organisation: Human Rights Watch
- Human Rights Watch is one of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights.
- By focusing international attention where human rights are violated, we give voice to the oppressed and hold oppressors accountable for their crimes. Our rigorous, objective investigations and strategic, targeted advocacy build intense pressure for action and raise the cost of human rights abuse.
- For more than 30 years, Human Rights Watch has worked tenaciously to lay the legal and moral groundwork for deep-rooted change and has fought to bring greater justice and security to people around the world.
W3JOY interviewed: Tiseke Kasambala, Africa Advocacy Director for Human Rights Watch
“They have to remain underground. Malawi is a very conservative country and LGBT people cannot express themselves.”
“The church basically rules in this country.”
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:52 — 32.8MB)