Feminist philanthropy has gained popularity in recent years as more and more individuals and organizations realize the importance of investing in initiatives that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. However, the lack of funding for intersectional organizing in countries like Nigeria that have the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (SSMPA) is negatively impacting the marginalized communities that are struggling to create change.
Feminist organizations claim to not fund due to what they may have signed with the Nigerian government or how meaningful engagement is primarily about inviting the intersections to fit into the checklist box of who is being in the room. This lack of funding and meaningful engagement leaves the LGBTQI+ community in Nigeria to fend for themselves in a country where their existence is considered illegal. This creates a ripple effect that trickles down to the most vulnerable individuals in these communities.
The fear of meaningfully engaging and talking about LBQTI issues within feminist organizing is a reality that needs to be addressed. The struggles of the LGBTQI+ community intersect with issues of gender, race, and class, which are at the core of feminist activism. Ignoring these intersections is perpetuating the same systems of oppression that feminists are fighting against.
The lack of funding for intersectional organizing in countries like Nigeria that have the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act means that the individuals and organizations fighting for LGBTQI+ rights struggle to create their intersectional funding. This creates a situation where they have to rely on external funding, which is often not sustainable or reliable.
The impact of this lack of funding is significant. LGBTQI+ individuals in Nigeria face daily discrimination and violence, and their struggle for equality is a long and arduous one. Without the support of feminist philanthropy, the road to equality becomes even more challenging.
Feminist philanthropy needs to embrace intersectionality fully. It is not enough to include marginalized communities in the conversation; they must also be given the resources and support necessary to create meaningful change. This means acknowledging the unique struggles of marginalized communities, including the LGBTQI+ community, and providing targeted funding to organizations that are working towards their rights and empowerment.
In conclusion, the lack of funding for intersectional organizing in countries like Nigeria that have the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act is negatively impacting the LGBTQI+ community. Feminist philanthropy needs to embrace intersectionality fully and provide targeted funding to organizations that are working towards the rights and empowerment of marginalized communities. Failure to do so perpetuates the same systems of oppression that feminists are fighting against, and ultimately hinders progress towards true equality and justice for all.
