Friends of Diversity Organization (FoD) is a youth led non-governmental organization established in September 2017 and later formally registered in October 2018 with the Registrar of Societies. The goal of Friends of Diversity is to empower, educate and advocate for the rights of LGBTI+ persons on personal development, mental health, economic and sexual reproductive health rights in Botswana. We support the LGBTI+ population, primarily young people in Botswana through peer support groups and counselling.
FoD aims to build a strong LGBTI+ movement through training and capacity building, advocating for policies and institutional practices that respect the human rights of LGBTI+ persons. The organization further aims to influence the way that the public in Botswana perceives LGBTI+ persons’ rights and sexuality. FoD is housed and mentored by DITSHWANELO-The Botswana Center for Human Rights. FoD has partnered with other civil society organizations and some governmental departments to advance the rights of LGBTI+ community. In terms of regional advocacy, FoD is a member of regional bodies including Universal health coverage (UHC), The AIDS and Rights Alliance for southern Africa (ARASA), MPact (formerly MSM Global Forum).