I consider it a great honour to have participated and represented IDNOWA at the just-concluded Pan Africa ILGA (PAI) Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The theme of the conference, UNBREAKABLE, resonated deeply with me—both personally and in the work we do at IDNOWA. In the face of the growing rise of anti-rights and anti-gender groups, movements, and cooperatives, many of us have been resisting to the point of reaching breaking limits. Yet, through the true values of community spirit and Ubuntu, we remain strong and focused.
Throughout the conference, I engaged in several workshops and panels—sometimes as a speaker, other times as a listener. From my arrival to my departure, there was no wasted time; it was serious business of human rights and advocacy.
At the Annual General Meeting (AGM), nearly 150 registered members contributed to discussions on issues affecting our continent and beyond. We also elected new Board Members who will pilot the affairs of PAI alongside the Secretariat for the next three years.
IDNOWA particularly thanks and appreciates Nate Brown and the outgoing Board for demonstrating leadership even in the midst of serious divisions, and for hosting one of the best PAI conferences to date. We especially commend Nate Brown for using his platform to raise the issues of bullying, harassment, and their mental impacts—not only on himself but on his entire team.
While a few participants came with biased agendas to discredit others and the Secretariat, the majority of conference participants stayed focused on the goals. Accountability was clearly demonstrated at every stage, and IDNOWA was impressed.
We encourage the incoming PAI Board to demonstrate inclusive leadership that works for all of us. Everyone must be safeguarded—including our members, the Secretariat, and its leader, Nate Brown. Let us not leave anyone behind.
Nana Davis Mac-Iyalla
Executive Director, IDNOWA
Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa 