Based on various elements of the Sustainable Colombian Opportunities for Peacebuilding and Employment (SCOPE) inclusive employment model, the Talent Pluriels project has been focused on creating decent, safe, and inclusive jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities for LGBTQI+ young people (many of whom regularly face discrimination, isolation and/or violence) in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2022. Safe and inclusive workspaces are created for LGBTQI+ young people to participate in training without fear of discrimination or prejudice and where conversations about gender equality, inclusion, acceptance, and respect are facilitated and encouraged.
To address and challenge traditional norms and attitudes, the project also provides training for young people, families, employers, and communities to create safe and inclusive environments that promote diversity, respect, and understanding of individuality and gender differences. Like the SCOPE project, employers are also trained to design and adopt inclusive recruitment and hiring practices, particularly for the LGBTQI+ community.
By promoting acceptance and understanding within communities, LGBTQI+ young people and other marginalized groups of young people will have the means to flourish and succeed as independent members of society.
TALENTS PLURIELS STORIES
Advocating for the LGBTQ2I community in the DRC
From a young age, Scaly KEP’NA struggled with his sexuality.
Growing up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was difficult. Although the central African country has made progress toward accepting some LGBTQ2I rights, homophobia and intolerance towards the queer community still run rampant.