Civis has continuously integrated intersectionality as a working method in the peace building activities conducted in Colombia. In the Colombian context, the social structures that are built on power dichotomies such as class, ethnicity, age and gender interact and reinforce inequalities in the society. The concept has therefore become central as it helps understanding complex power structures, which is crucial in order to create constructive options that can lay the foundation for sustainable peace.
During the two-day long conference the participants will be given the opportunity to attend interesting seminars, listen to panel discussions and participate in interactive workshops. Swedish organizations that use intersectionality integrated in their work such as RFSU (the Swedish Association for Sexuality Education), Gothenburg University, Diakonia and Interfem will contribute to the conference program and mediate their point of view concerning the theme.

Two representatives from Civis partner organizations Lebiapolis and Entre-Tránsitos will be guest speakers at the conference. Camilo Andrés Rojas is the founder of the Entre-Tránsitos and co-ordinator of the Civis-funded project Masculinidades Transgresoras. Working in Bogotá, Entre-Tránsitos is the first and only group in the country dealing with issues related to transmen. The purpose of the project is to support young transmen or individuals with experience with translife and to raise the profile of transmen. Around 25 young individuals have been participating in the different activities such as workshops, a camp, public demonstrations and advocacy and this number is an achievement in itself. Also, Entre-Tránsitos has been holding advocacy meetings with institutions regarding the theme of transmen in Colombia.
Diana Grajales will be representing the organization Lesbiapolis from Cali at the conference. Lesbiapolis is a youth organization that specifically works with LGBT issues focusing on creating consciousness of gender diversity and combating prejudices about LGBT people. The organization has an established cooperation with the authorities and the police and is continuously working to influence public notaries in LGBT issues as they understand discrimination and exclusion as important factors that affect the LGBT community in Colombia.
More information: www.intersektionalitet.org



