Why an Interdisciplinary University?
Tassi Hangbè Interdisciplinary University
The first ten years of QAYN were punctuated by the development of an LBTQ movement through various capacity-building programs that gave a political and organizational direction to LBTQ leaders in Francophone West Africa and Cameroon. However, over the years, we realized that in spite of our communities’ motivation and determination, our movement unfortunately lacks the technical and political capacities necessary for a greater impact. It is also clear that in our region, the LGBTQI movement has yet to establish itself as an integral part of the general human rights movement.
Therefore, driven by the desire and motivation to advance the LGBTQI movement, QAYN is embarking on a most ambitious project: creating the first interdisciplinary learning space to strengthen the LGBTQI movement in Francophone Africa. This space, the Tassi Hangbè Interdisciplinary University, is intended to be a space for reflection and capacity-building in various fields necessary for the progression of the movement.
The Tassi Hangbè Interdisciplinary University: the first interdisciplinary learning space for the development of the LGBTQI movement in Francophone Africa.
Objectives
More than a learning space, the QAYN Interdisciplinary University aims to foster the sharing of knowledge and experiences as well as the creation of partnerships and strategic alliances within and beyond the movement, for more meaningful actions.
This initiative is therefore motivated by a desire to contribute to the emergence of resources and expertise within our LGBTQI movement in Francophone Africa so that it is more autonomous, efficient and sustainable. It aims to develop the technical and political capacities of activists and allies, even better, to broaden the movement through the integration of expertise that, to this day, have stayed away from the LGBTQI movement in Francophone Africa.
The Format
The Tassi Hangbè Interdisciplinary University consists of a three-week biennial residential training for participants from across Francophone Africa. Participants are LGBTQI activists, feminists, academics, human rights defenders, allies, and individuals interested in advancing the LGBTQI movement in Francophone Africa and human rights in general.
Each Interdisciplinary University edition offers a variety of modules taught by experts and supplemented with debates and various activities to foster exchange and learning.
Did You Know ?
Tassi Hangbè is the only woman to have ruled over the kingdom of Dahomey (present-day Benin). She was at the origin of the very first army made up exclusively of women, called Mino in the Fon language, but better known as the Amazons of Dahomey.
About the Next Edition
The first edition of the Tassi Hangbè Interdisciplinary University is planned for 2022. Information on the application process will be available shortly. We invite you to come back to our website in the coming weeks to stay informed.
Join Our Team!
We are accepting applications for the following positions: