Speaker: Robert Akoto
Job title: Advocacy Advisor
Company: CHEVS

About the spreaker
Robert Akoto Amoafo is a dedicated LGBTQIA+ activist and development practitioner based in Ghana. With a deep commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ communities, Robert has been at the forefront of grassroots organizing and advocacy, particularly in regions where anti-LGBTQIA+ laws and sentiments are prevalent. With over 10 years of experience, Robert has worked tirelessly to support LGBTQIA+ activists through capacity-building initiatives, including advocacy training, critical thinking workshops, and microlearning programs. Their efforts have been instrumental in equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate hostile environments and advocate for their rights effectively. Robert has also played a pivotal role in developing advocacy strategies and tools that empower movements to engage with regional and international human rights mechanisms. Their work is grounded in a commitment to justice, dignity, and collective liberation, with a strong emphasis on centering African LGBTQIA+ experiences and leadership. In addition to their advocacy work, Robert is dedicated to promoting mental wellbeing and joy within the LGBTQIA+ community. They believe in the importance of creating safe spaces for celebration, healing, and resilience, recognizing that joy is a powerful form of resistance. As a participant in the Global UNITY Program, my aim is to further enhance my advocacy efforts by gaining global insights and building meaningful partnerships. I am committed to bringing back valuable knowledge and strategies to support and strengthen LGBTQIA+ organizing in Ghana and beyond.