About Us
Who We Are
We are an activist-led, community-centered national organization with an inclusive, timely approach, bringing a fierce commitment to social justice for our community’s most vulnerable.
Across Africa, stigma, discrimination, and violence against key populations and marginalised communities like women, girls, persons living with HIV, and other social/political minorities continue to persist despite efforts by regional and national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, and community based organising to advance the rights of these populations.
Moreover, stigma, discrimination, and violence continue to increase at alarming rates across the continent. These violations have produced significant social and health inequities, leading to poor mental health and reduced quality of life, while also increasing vulnerability to violence, HIV, reproductive health injustices, and other adverse health outcomes.
Indeed, recent developments and human rights reports show a declining trend in the protection of human rights. This trend underscores the importance of strong, inclusive institutions and community-centered initiatives in preserving hard-won gains and advocating for and promoting inclusive protections and practices rooted in human dignity and justice.
In view of this growing decline, communities, activists, advocates and allies are mobilizing to find solutions for human rights abuses in order to protect fundamental rights of affected individuals and communities. This commitment led to the creation of our organization, Symbiosis Initiative Ghana, a community-centered effort to advance safety, dignity, and equality for all.
Our organization was established in Ghana as a result of a conversation among activists thinking around a more bold but constitutional approach to human rights protection of political minorities. The initial idea was to empower these communities through education to take action; however, in the process, we realized there were more immediate needs that could not be ignored.
The organization was established in September 2019 with a two-member team and one board member serving as an advisory board. We officially began to provide legal assistance and remedies for survivors of violence and discrimination during this period.
Our Mission
Symbiosis Initiative Ghana is a community-centered national organization committed to advancing all rights–including civic, political, cultural and socio-economic rights–of key populations and marginalised communities through litigation, legislation, policy advocacy, and strategic and public education.
Our Vision
We envision and advocate for a nation that prioritizes human rights protection and ensures safety, justice, and equal opportunities for all persons, with a focus on the rights of key populations and marginalised communities.
Our Impact
Symbiosis Initiative Ghana’s legal aid has emerged as a national priority in advancing the civic and human rights of key populations, marginalised communities, and their families, through strategic litigation, legislative engagement and public education. The organization has strengthened legal protections, influenced national policies, expanded access to justice, and fostered safer, more inclusive environments for marginalised communities.
Our organization continues to organise to promote dignity, equality, and human rights for all.
