The Policy and Advocacy department at TransWave Jamaica plays an essential role in advancing the rights, privileges and well-being of the transgender and gender non-conforming community in Jamaica. As the sole trans-led and trans-focused human rights advocacy organization in the country, TransWave Jamaica works tirelessly to challenge discrimination, promote inclusion, and advocate for systemic and structural change. The Policy and Advocacy department stands at the forefront of these efforts, striving to create a more equitable and inclusive society that respects and protects the rights of transgender people.
The department combines research, project management, coalition building, and engagement with key stakeholders and the community to champion and drive transformative change.
The department conducts thorough analysis of existing policies and laws affecting transgender individuals in Jamaica. It identifies discriminatory practices, gaps, and inconsistencies in the legal framework and develops evidence-based policy recommendations to address these issues. By closely monitoring local legislation and human rights standards, the department works towards promoting trans-inclusive policies.
Engaging in legislative advocacy is a core responsibility of the Policy and Advocacy department. It actively collaborates with legislators, government officials, and policymakers to influence the development of trans-inclusive legislation and policies. This involves providing expert input, drafting bills, and participating in public consultations and hearings to champion the rights of transgender individuals.
The department understands the power of collaboration and actively builds partnerships and coalitions with like-minded organizations and civil society actors. By working collectively, TransWave Jamaica amplifies its advocacy efforts, fosters solidarity, and builds a broader movement for transgender rights. The department engages in coalition meetings, joint campaigns, and facilitates dialogue among stakeholders to create a united front for change.
Raising public awareness and educating the Jamaican society about transgender issues is a vital aspect of the department’s work. It designs educational materials, conducts workshops and trainings, and delivers public speaking engagements to challenge stereotypes, dispel myths, and foster understanding and empathy. Through accurate information and personal narratives, the department combats discrimination and promotes social acceptance.
The Policy and Advocacy department conducts research on issues that impact transgender individuals in Jamaica. It collects and analyzes data, commissions studies, and collaborates with the research and programmes team to generate evidence-based reports and studies. This research informs policy recommendations, advocacy strategies, and helps to highlight the challenges faced by transgender people in the country.
We are a non-governmental organization working to advance the health, welfare, and well-being of the transgender community in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Founded in 2015, we started as an advocacy initiative in the form of a blog.
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