Tendai is a queer human rights advocate from Zimbabwe and is a champion for queer rights in his community. He is a passionate advocate for HIV and SRHR issues and is working with GALZ on HIV prevention and SRHR education. From the READY Academy, he plans to use the training on safety and security to enhance his advocacy skills. Tendai sees the READY movement thriving, with the academy boosting his capacity to make a positive impact. He plans to use his newfound knowledge and guidance to effectively advance the causes that matter to him most to support the work he’s doing for his community.
Mcebo is a young man living with HIV who is also a proud member of the LGBTIQ+ community. He currently works as a Linkages Case Management Officer at Health Plus 4 Men. His responsibilities include managing support groups across four regions for people living with HIV, including men who have sex with men, female sex workers, transgender individuals, people who inject drugs, and male sex workers. Mcebo is passionate about community empowerment and envisions the READY Movement growing to educate young people living with HIV and the LGBTIQ community about their rights and life skills. He also advocates for free access to family planning and reproductive health services. Mcebo hopes to one day share his journey and work to inspire others in the LGBTIQ community.
Petronella is a human rights activist and content creator who is dedicated to creating a dignified and inclusive community, especially for sexual and gender minorities in Zambia. She is an erotic writer, graphic designer, and talented athlete who is passionate about human rights and ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health and rights services without discrimination. In her role as a community engagement officer, she provides HIV/SRHR commodities, leads discussions in support groups related to health, and offers referrals for mental health services. Through her participation in the READY Academy 2.0, she has learned about the importance of safeguarding policies to protect individuals. She is also involved in the READY Movement, advocating for the use of digital tools to promote human dignity and respect for all.
Vangile is a 23-year-old sex worker who works with Voice of Our Voices as the focal person for the HER Voice Fund project. She is a social media activist who advocates for better access to healthcare, raises awareness about HIV and SRHR issues, and fights against the stigma and discrimination faced by young people living with HIV. She is passionate about HIV and SRHR. Her key takeaways from the READY Academy 2.0 include the importance of knowledge, effective communication, and persistence in advocacy efforts.
Ivander is a cisqueer activist who works with a youth-led LGBTQ+ organisation called Colorful Table. She believes in the transformative power of youth and diversity. As a peer educator and queer youth leader, her role involves ensuring safety in hospitals, schools, homes, and public spaces so that young people can use them safely and free from discrimination. Ivander’s advocacy focuses on data collection and storytelling, using accurate data and personal stories to raise awareness and make a significant impact. The READY Movement restored her confidence during a difficult time when she faced stigma and discrimination as a trans woman. Inspired by the support she received, Ivander wants to provide a safe space and support for young people involved with the READY Academy, believing that simple actions can have profound impacts.
Victoria is the HER Voice Fund Ambassador for Botswana. She is a young lawyer, and youth advocate dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of young people, including adolescent girls and young women in all their diversities. She has strong roots in the community and is working on legislative advocacy to address laws and policies affecting AGYW. She serves as a bridge between policy and practice, ensuring that the voices of AGYW are heard and amplified at all levels. Victoria plays a key role in promoting gender equality, destigmatising sexual health among adolescents, and advocating for the rights of AGYW to access comprehensive SRH services.