Intersex Community of Zimbabwe
About Us
ICoZ is an intersex-led organization established in 2018. It’s main goals are to promote the identification, inclusion, integration, and assimilation of human rights issues affecting intersex people in Zimbabwe. ICoZ aims to create a society where human rights, inclusive of intersex people, are appreciated, and where service providers and policymakers have a better understanding of intersex issues. We prioritize protecting the dignity and bodily integrity of intersex individuals through the elimination of human rights violations at all levels. Our work encompasses improving health, human rights, life skills, capacity building, and participation in governance processes. We do this by creating awareness, gathering data, and presenting evidence to establish the legal recognition of intersex people in Zimbabwe.
Our vision is to see intersex people thriving in all facets of life in an environment that values diversity and equality as key elements of human development. Mission: ICoZ’s mission is to empower the intersex community through innovative participatory strategies, helping them respond to their developmental needs effectively
- 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.
- Accountability
- Inclusivity (involvement of intersex people in all development responses)
- Integrity (transparency with staff, partners, communities, and stakeholders)
- Sustainable viability (of their initiatives)
- Empathy (responsiveness to the desired needs of their community)
ICoZ collaborates with various government ministries, including the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, and the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs. They also work with organizations such as the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, the Police Victim Friendly Unit, the National AIDS Council, the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council, various community and faith-based organizations, traditional and community leaders, including Intersex-led and non-Intersex-led LGBTQ organizations.
ICoZ collaborates with various government ministries, including the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, and the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs. They also work with organizations such as the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, the Police Victim Friendly Unit, the National AIDS Council, the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council, various community and faith-based organizations, traditional and community leaders, including Intersex-led and non-Intersex-led LGBTQ organizations. ICoZ’s work is essential in raising awareness, advocating for the rights of intersex individuals, and providing support and empowerment to this often marginalized and underrepresented community in Zimbabwe
