In 2018, the Intersex Community of Zimbabwe (ICoZ) was founded by Ronnie Zuze. The organisation was registered in 2021.
ICoZ is a developmental intersex-led organisation based in the community initiated in 2018 that focuses on intersex people in an environment where there is limited appreciation and acknowledgment of the existence of intersex people. ICoZ Trust works to promote the identification, inclusion, integration, and assimilation of human rights issues affecting intersex people in Zimbabwe. ICoZ seeks to realise a society that has an appreciation of human rights inclusive of intersex people as a minority group appreciated by the larger population where service providers and policymakers have a limited understanding of intersex issues. Protection of dignity and bodily integrity through the elimination of Human rights violations at all levels. To date, the organisation is continuously working on improving Health, Human rights, Life Skills, Capacities, and participation in governance processes through creating awareness and gathering data, and presenting evidence in establishing the existence of intersex people recognised by the law in Zimbabwe.
Vision
Intersex people thriving in all facets of life in an environment where diversity and equality are key to human development.
Mission
To empower the intersex community through innovative participatory strategies to enhance development and build capacity in responding to their developmental needs.
Objectives
- Empower intersex individuals, families, and communities by providing intersex knowledge.
- Advocate for the legal recognition and inclusion of intersex people in all social and economic development platforms in Zimbabwe.
- Create platforms for integration and collaboration.
- Support intersex persons in accessing education, healthcare, decent employment, economic empowerment, and opportunities.
Values
- Accountability — Guiding transparent stewardship and ensuring our actions align with our mission for positive change.
- Inclusivity — Promoting diversity, equity, and a respectful culture that fosters innovation and well-being for all intersex persons.
- Integrity — Guiding principle, fostering transparency, ethics, and accountability to build trust and positive impact.
- Sustainability — Our central commitment of guiding practices for a more equitable future for intersex persons.
- Empathy — Central to our community, guiding inclusive decisions, fostering compassionate communication, and celebrating diversity for a supportive environment.
Focus Areas
ICoZ provides:
- Legal advocacy — ICoZ works to ensure that intersex people have legal recognition and protection. They engage with the government, policymakers, judiciary, and the community to promote the rights of intersex individuals. Their goal is to create policies that are responsive to the protection and advancement of intersex people’s rights. They also educate both the intersex community and the public about their human rights.
- Life skills and empowerment — ICoZ focuses on building skills needed by intersex people to regain self-worth and confidence. This program aims to alleviate challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and gender-based violence.
- Health and wellbeing — ICoZ works to ensure access to quality sexual and reproductive health services for intersex individuals and they strongly advocate for an end to unnecessary intersex genital mutilations (IGM) in both public and private healthcare settings. They provide comprehensive education and mental health support services to address the stigma and discrimination faced by intersex people, which can lead to mental health issues and suicidal tendencies.
Contact
Website
+263718035814
Email: zimintersexcommunity@gmail.com / kmurisa92@gmail.com / info@icozimbabwe.org
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