Lead for Rights!

This three-part seminar series will bring together experts, practitioners, and stakeholders from the fields of international cooperation, civil society, and policymaking to engage with the following topics:

📅 Seminar 1: The basics of sexual and gender diversity

This seminar introduces foundational concepts and terminology related to SOGIESC diversity and explores how these intersect with broader human rights and gender equality frameworks. The session will examine key challenges to inclusion, such as misconceptions rooted in colonial histories, and discuss strategies for addressing these barriers.

• 🗓 Date: 27 March 2025

• 🕒 Time: 9h30 to 13h00

• 📍 Location: Marquis Building Office (Rue du Marquis 1, Bruxelles)

• 🍽 Networking lunch included!

 Key Topics:

✔️ Understanding SOGIESC diversity: definitions, frameworks, and terminology.

✔️ Linking LGBTQI+ inclusion to gender equality and girls’ rights.

✔️ Addressing misconceptions and the friction between feminist and LGBTQI+ approaches.

✔️ International frameworks supporting inclusion, such as the Yogyakarta Principles.

✔️ Practical recommendations for integrating SOGIESC considerations into international cooperation.

📅 Seminar 2: Understanding the hostile environment for LGBTQI+ rights and gender equality: a deep dive into anti-rights and anti-gender movements

The second seminar addresses the increasing influence of anti-rights and anti-gender movements that challenge human rights, gender equality, and LGBTQI+ inclusion. Participants will gain insight into the ideologies and strategies of these movements and learn effective approaches to counter their impact through cases studies from three different contexts.

• 🗓 Date: 15 May 2025

• 🕒 Time: 13h00 to 17h00

• 📍 Location: Marquis Building Office – (Rue du Marquis 1, Bruxelles)

• 🍽 Networking lunch included!

 Key Topics:

✔️ Historical context and evolution of anti-rights and anti-gender movements.

✔️ Common narratives, tactics, and channels used by these groups.

✔️ Case studies showcasing their impact on comprehensive sexuality education, child rights, and youth rights internationally and in Belgium.

✔️ Practical tools and frameworks for addressing anti-rights narratives through campaigns, alliances, and education.

✔️ Contextualised strategies to promote inclusion in a hostile environment.

📅 Seminar 3: The digital space and advocacy for LGBTQI+ rights and gender equality  : the good, the bad and the ugly

As digital tools continue to shape activism, engagement in advocacy for gender equality and LGBTQI+ rights presents both opportunities and challenges. While digital spaces can amplify voices and mobilise communities, they also come with risks, such as online harassment, surveillance, and evolving platform policies that affect marginalised groups. At the same time, some activists are shifting back to offline strategies to navigate these challenges.

This seminar will provide space for participants to discuss the evolving landscape of digital advocacy, exchange experiences, and explore strategies for safe and effective youth engagement. The content will be co-developed with participants from the first two seminars to ensure it reflects their needs and priorities.

• 🗓 Date: 26 June 2025

• 🕒 Time: 13h00 to 17h00

• 📍 Location: Marquis Building Office (Rue du Marquis 1, Bruxelles)

• 🍽 Networking lunch included!

 Key Topics:

✔️ Emerging trends and opportunities in digital youth activism.

✔️ Key risks and challenges in online advocacy, including online harassment and digital security.

✔️ The impact of changing social media policies and AI-driven biases on advocacy efforts.

✔️ Approaches to balancing online and offline activism for safety and effectiveness.

✔️ Strategies for engaging young people meaningfully in advocacy spaces.

This seminar will be shaped by insights from previous sessions—participants will have the opportunity to highlight priority areas for discussion.

Reserve your spot today, register here!