Founded on 26 July 2024 by Boomer Mateus, Luis Mário Seteco and Jéssica Sanga, Direitos Humanos Intersexual Angola (DHIA) works to make a meaningful difference in the lives of intersex people and their families in Angola. Direitos Humanos Intersexual translates to “Intersexual Human Rights” from Portuguese. Boomer is the current Executive Director and active members are Miriam Benilde, Elisandro Jorge, Vero Nicolau and Nelma da Cunha.
Vision
To create a world where all intersex people are valued, respected and celebrated for their diversity.
Mission
To promote awareness, acceptance and respect for intersex people by challenging stereotypes and combating discrimination.
Goal
To contribute to building a society where intersex bodies are not stigmatised and where their rights as individuals are respected, protected and upheld.
More about the reason for founding DHIA, by co-founder, Boomer Mateus
“As an intersex person and the founder of the first human rights organization for intersex people in Angola, my connection to this organization is deeply rooted in my personal life journey. Every step I take along this path is driven by lived experiences of struggle, resilience, and hope for a brighter future for all intersex individuals. This organization is not just a project; it is an extension of my dreams and the dreams of so many voices that have been silenced for far too long. It is a space where our stories find strength, where we transform pain into action, and where we build, together, a fairer and more inclusive world. Being part of this is the fulfillment of a greater purpose that guides me every single day.”
Projects
The organisation’s approach focused on demystifying concepts and strengthening technical knowledge about innate variations in sexual characteristics, emphasising the importance of sensitive care grounded in human rights. DHIA encouraged partner organisations to join this mission of creating environments where every individual can have their voice heard, strengthening cohesion and the recognition of the specific needs of the intersex community within the healthcare system.
This was DHIA’s first workshop for a group of healthcare professionals.