November 2022 — Positive Champions Health and Empowerment Initiative (PCHEI) Founded, Nigeria – Trans & Intersex History Africa

November 2022 — Positive Champions Health and Empowerment Initiative (PCHEI) Founded, Nigeria

Founded in Nigeria in November 2022 by Yemi Ogunwa, Positive Champions Health and Empowerment Initiative (PCHEI) works with trans, intersex and gender diverse persons in the fields of capacity building, mental health services, human rights intervention and advocacy, healthcare access and community research. PCHEI is dedicated to advancing health equity and environmental sustainability across Nigeria. Their programmes are designed to empower individuals, transform communities, and inspire positive action toward a healthier, cleaner, and more resilient future. The organisation was registered on 30 May 2024.

Visão

To have a society where indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons, thrive in a positive and inclusive environment, with their health, rights, and well-being respected and protected.

Missão

To champion collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure the wellbeing of indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons through advocacy, capacity building, empowerment, mental, sexual and reproductive health service delivery and to create a positive environment for them to thrive.

Objectivos

To advocate for the social and mental health rights and protection of indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons.
To contribute to the HIV/AIDS response and community mobilization efforts, focusing on outreach programmes and support services.
To contribute to advocacy in executing laws and policies that protects rights of indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons.
To collaborate with like-minded organizations to address sexual and mental health needs, empower young community members through skills acquisition programs, conduct and publish research to inform advocacy initiatives for indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons

Strategic Goals

To empower indigent, vulnerable and marginalized persons, through education, skill development, mentorship, and leadership training.
To influence legislative changes and policy reforms that promote the rights and well-being of indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons.
To promote the well-being and positive mental health of indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons.
Actively promoting the inclusion and participation of indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons in community and societal spaces, program design, and decision-making processes.
To conduct research and gather data on the unique challenges and needs of indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons, and use this information to inform advocacy efforts and policy changes.
To foster collaborative relationships with stakeholders, partners, and communities to strengthen the impact and reach of the organisation.

Focus/Thematic Areas

Comprehensive healthcare: PCHEI collaborates with healthcare providers to ensure that indigent, vulnerable and marginalised persons have access to quality and gender-affirming healthcare services. The organisation also conducts health awareness campaigns and provide resources to help our communities make informed decisions about their health.
Mental health and psychosocial support: The organisation offers counselling and support groups and provides sensitisation around the recognition and destigmatisation of mental health issues within the communities they serve.
Advocacy and human rights: PCHEI engages in targeted advocacy campaigns, lobbying efforts, and policy analysis to challenge discriminatory practices, social and climate injustice, and promote inclusive policies. The organisation aims to influence legislative changes that enhance the rights and well-being of our communities. PCHEI conducts public awareness campaigns and training programs to combat stigmatisation and prejudice, as well as strives to foster a society that respects and embraces diversity.
Community research: The organisation conducts esearch to gather data on the unique challenges and needs of gender and sexual minorities and women. This research informs PCHEI’s advocacy efforts and helps them shape policies that benefit the communities they serve. They also publish research findings and share the knowledge they’ve gathered.
Human rights and gender-based violence intervention: PCHEI focuses on sensitisation and provides paralegal services.
Sexual and reproductive health: PCHEI provides safe and inclusive services and sexual health workshops.
Capacity building and empowerment: PCHEI offers a range of educational programmes, workshops and vocational training. They also connect individuals with mentors and networks to facilitate personal and professional growth.