Social Inclusion for Intersex Persons

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Overview

MAHIPSO’s Social Inclusion for Intersex Persons Program Domain focuses on addressing the lack of dedicated intersex programming, advocacy, and service delivery in Central Uganda, especially in the Greater Masaka Region. Intersex persons in these areas face significant stigma, discrimination, violence, and social exclusion, and current support structures are mostly concentrated in urban centers like Kampala.

To bridge this gap, MAHIPSO employs four key strategies: (1) Knowledge Generation and Management to gather data and document experiences, (2) Public Awareness to reduce stigma and promote acceptance, (3) Health and Human Rights Advocacy to ensure access to inclusive healthcare and legal protections, and (4) Building Voice and Agency to empower intersex persons to speak for themselves and engage in decision-making processes.

This program aligns with several national, regional, and international policies and frameworks, including Uganda’s Gender and GBV policies, the Equity Plan for HIV/TB/Malaria services, the African Union and COMESA gender frameworks, the East African Community Gender Policy, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), all aimed at promoting equality, health access, and human rights for all.

1. Knowledge Generation and Management

This service involves conducting targeted research, community assessments, and data collection to better understand the lived realities of intersex persons. MAHIPSO aims to bridge the information gap by developing inclusive knowledge products such as policy briefs, fact sheets, and research reports that reflect the voices and needs of intersex communities. This data not only informs the organization’s programs but also supports evidence-based advocacy and contributes to national and regional intersex-focused policy reforms. Furthermore, MAHIPSO supports the documentation of human rights violations against intersex persons to influence justice and accountability mechanisms.

2. Public Awareness and Sensitization

MAHIPSO works to raise public understanding about intersex realities, combatting widespread stigma and misconceptions. Through community dialogues, media campaigns, school outreach, and cultural forums, the organization engages with various segments of society—including families, educators, healthcare providers, religious leaders, and local governments. These sensitization efforts promote empathy, tolerance, and accurate knowledge, thereby creating more inclusive environments where intersex persons are accepted and respected as equal members of society.

3. Health and Human Rights Services

This component ensures that intersex persons have equitable access to comprehensive, inclusive, and rights-based health services. MAHIPSO works with healthcare facilities to build provider capacity in offering non-discriminatory, sensitive, and respectful care to intersex individuals. In addition, legal aid and human rights protection services are offered to address cases of abuse, discrimination, or denial of services. These services also include psychosocial support, access to safe spaces, and referrals to specialized care providers, contributing to the holistic well-being of intersex persons.

4. Building Voice and Agency

MAHIPSO empowers intersex persons to actively participate in decisions that affect their lives by nurturing leadership and advocacy capacities. Through mentorship, peer leadership training, and civic education programs, the organization cultivates a strong network of intersex advocates who can influence policy, represent their communities, and demand accountability. These efforts help foster resilience and confidence among intersex persons while strengthening community-based advocacy movements that challenge exclusionary norms and institutional practices.