Nairobi conference calls for stronger protection of intersex persons across Africa

People born with variations in sex characteristics continue to face stigma, discrimination, barriers to healthcare and difficulties accessing official documents.

At the first African Intersex Conference in Nairobi, leaders and advocates called for stronger legal protection, inclusive services and greater participation of those affected in decisions shaping their lives.

Obioma Chukwuike, Chairman of the Board of the African Intersex Movement from Nigeria, described the conference as a historic moment for the community across Africa.

“Today is historic. For the first time, we gather for a conference of our own not at the margins of somebody else’s agenda, not as a footnote in someone else’s movement, and not merely as subjects of discussion. We gather as a movement: African intersex people organized, determined and ready to shape our own future,” he said.

Chukwuike said many had spent years believing they were alone before finding communities where they could share their experiences.

Source: KBC