News: Chemonics joins ILGA World as an Associate Member

We are excited to share that ILGA World — the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association — has recently approved Chemonics for associate membership into the world’s largest coalition of organizations advancing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) rights.

Established in 1978, ILGA World has grown to include over 1,600 members across six major regions. ILGA World has three pillars of work: advocacy for LGBTQI+ rights, empowerment of LGBTQI+ activists and representative and ally organizations, and research to build the evidence base for LGBTQI+ inclusion. This approach aligns with our global staff’s work to advance LGBTQI+ inclusive development in their programs and with why Chemonics has committed to standing as an ally for all members of the LGBTQI+ community in the places where we work.

“We are incredibly proud to be recognized as associate members of ILGA World, as allies who support LGBTQI+ organizations and movements worldwide — from Colombia to Vietnam. We are committed to championing equal human rights for all communities and freedom from all forms of discrimination,” says Shauna Aron Caria, Senior Advisor and Global Practice Lead for Chemonics’ Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) practice. “In global solidarity, we recognize that through partnerships with LGBTQI+ civil society, government bodies, universities, the private sector, and more — together, we are stronger.”

“We’ve made great strides supporting our diverse workforce and making Chemonics a more equitable workplace for the LGBTQI+ community but need to continue standing up for meaningful inclusion for people of diverse SOGIESC. This is a significant milestone for Chemonics to formalize our organizational commitment to LGBTQI+ inclusion on the programmatic side,” adds Branden A. Ryan, Senior Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Specialist and technical lead for Chemonics’ LGBTQI+ Inclusion Technical Working Group, which facilitated the application process.

To commemorate this new membership, and as part of Pride Month 2023, Chemonics International is excited to be sponsoring a new LGBTQI+ Inclusive Development Solutions Summit on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST in collaboration with the Society for International Development-United States Inclusive Development Workgroup. The summit will bring together representatives from implementing partners, development practitioners, USAID, the private sector, academia, industry coalitions, donors, and other critical stakeholders to develop a community of practice of allies and advocates for LGBTQI+-inclusive international development programs. The summit features a keynote address, panel events, and dynamic breakout sessions to dive into the root of inclusion challenges, helping to forge a community of allyship for LGBTQI+ inclusion in global development programming. Please direct questions regarding the summit to gesiteam@chemonics.com.