Dignitate Zambia Limited

As a member of the LGBT+ community in Zambia where the law is actively used to persecute the lives of community members, it has been extremely difficult for LGBT+ members to access mental health services particularly during the Covid 19 pandemic. Using the prize funding, the organization would adopt a two pronged approach. The first approach would be to travel to the 8 districts in which we operate in order to conduct a research/survey activity that would allow the organization to generate a data supported account of the difficulties community members have faced in accessing mental health support and any other ways in which they feel their mental health can supported other than the provision of therapy sessions. The second approach would be to conduct free therapy sessions for community members to access with the aim of providing them a plan of recovery or coping mechanisms where applicable. The therapy sessions would be provided by skilled professionals. A report would then be generated every quarter as a back stopping method with a final report generated at the close of the project. 

I actively contribute to my own personal growth and development and that of the LGBT+ community by being an experienced, pragmatic and professional leader with the ability to work well both as an individual and as a part of a team. I am highly motivated with a passion for promoting mental health and the advocacy of fair treatment for those who suffer from mental health ailments. One of my main goals is to play a significant role in the removal of stigma and discrimination among the already oppressed LGBT+ community. This is in line with my long term life goal of obtaining a Masters Degree in Psychosocial Counseling. 

Dignitate Zambia Limited (DZL) is a human rights organization rooted in the principles of equality and non-discrimination. The organization's vision statement is a Zambian society that embraces diversity and upholds the rights of all.At DZL all Zambians, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, tribe, economic status, disability, race, sexual orientation or gender identity are interconnected in one way or another and are affected by the effects of inequality and discrimination regardless of their status in society. DZL brings together persons who seek the advancement of their human rights and improved quality of life.

While the gravity of mental health is often overlooked globally, it is particularly underserved in Zambia due to the legal framework. LGBT+ persons are disproportionately affected by stigma and discrimination which leads to unfair treatment in health facilities, hate crimes, “corrective” rape and even murder. Simultaneously, the stigma, discrimination, economic status due to the lack of opportunities and education, and threat of criminal prosecution faced by LGBT+ persons pose extreme barriers to their ability to access high-quality, rights-based access to fair and equal services as evidenced in the UNDP report on legal environments assessments in Zambia. 

DZL is a legally registered local NGO based in Lusaka, Zambia. Currently, the organization operates in Southern, Lusaka, Central, Eastern, North Western, Copperbelt province and North Western Province. As an umbrella organization, FOR has implemented work with LGBT+ persons and sex workers targeting a total of 1500 persons each year. The organization has an organogram of an executive board which provides oversight to the secretariat. The secretariat consists of an Executive Director, A Director Administrations and Operations, A Finance Manager, A programs Officer and an Assistant Programs Officer, An M&E Officer and an Assistant M&E Officer. 

[1] UNDP-Reports-Legal Environment Assessments-Zambia-UNDP 2019

DZL has been addressing some of these challenges and problems that LGBT+ persons face in Zambia. As part of the process to mitigate the gaps in the Healthcare system in Zambia, DZL promotes access to pro LGBT+ health workers, Health Care Providers and counsellors.Recognizing the need for equality in access to just and fair treatment for LGBT+ persons, DZL would commission a mental health project to be delivered in Lusaka, Livingstone, Chipata, Solwezi, Kapiri Mposhi and Kitwe, Kabwe and Ndola. The scope of work includes conducting mental health  workshops of 30 persons per training in the 8 locations; developing awareness on mental health ailments, a maximum minority safeguarding system that will give guidance to community members on how to protect themselves and their mental health, a referral system, a mental health ailment screening tool and reporting database in which to monitor both the severity and frequency of incidents. The scope of work further includes training health care workers in sensitization of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression matters, documenting a best practices handbook and lessons learnt report. In addition, the organization will also create awareness of the mental health services to the LGBT+ community.

A two pronged multi-stage methodology:

Stage 1 and 2:  Conduct a mental health service needs assessment in the 8 locations to assess capacity needs, mental health literacy, available screening tools, referral systems in place and frequency and severity of incidents in LGBT+ persons. Subsequently the development of maximum minority safeguarding system and mental health training toolkit with the objective of ensuring that the community can recognize deteriorating mental health and where to access services.
Deliverable: mental health service needs assessment report and referral system developed and maximum minority safeguarding toolkit and needs assessment tool
 
Stage 3 and 4: We propose to use participatory training methodologies and materials for health care providers followed by the development of an awareness campaign. Participatory training methodologies use variations of activities to suit different learning styles.
Deliverable - 8 training reports, 1 Consolidated Best Practices Handbook and 1 Consolidated Lessons Learnt Report and Awareness campaign report

Stage 5 and 6: Conduct counselling/therapy - 200 sessions aimed at empowering our clients through therapy, mental health literacy and coping mechanisms while providing technical support to all personnel on the project.
Deliverables – mental health literacy sessions conducted and all personnel on the project supported in person and virtually where necessary