As democracies are under siege, different forms of discriminatory practices lead to the marginalization and exclusion of individuals who are most vulnerable. Counteracting these dangerous trends requires dismantling policies and legislations that curtail fundamental rights and freedoms, empowering marginalized groups, and promoting equal access to education, healthcare, employment, and political participation in decision-making processes at all levels.
There is an inherent connection between thriving democracies and protecting the most vulnerable, including indigenous communities, women, children, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons. The participation of historically marginalized groups in politics yields concrete democratic gains, in turn building more resilient democracies.
Democracy can only flourish when equal rights and opportunities for all individuals are guaranteed regardless of sex, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender inclusivity, and sex characteristics. Members of Parliament play an essential role in achieving just, peaceful, sustainable, and inclusive societies. The DGI Program aims to raise awareness and empower legislators to take bold actions in the representation of all constituents. Building strong democratic institutions requires an intersectional approach.
To this end, the Program focuses on three main campaigns.
Stigma, violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people contribute significantly to their exclusion from society.
The Campaign seeks to empower parliamentarians to become leaders in the defense and promotion of the human rights of girls and women.
As human rights abuses amass, democratic practices are abandoned, and justice retreats, parliamentarians are on the frontlines.
