Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP)

The Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP) is a local human rights organization in Malawi, established to promote the rights and well-being of marginalized and minority groups, including LGBT+ individuals, sex workers, prison inmates, and drug users. CEDEP focuses on addressing social injustices and ensuring these groups have access to essential services and equal opportunities. CEDEP’s purpose is to foster equality, social inclusion, and dignity for all individuals by advocating for policies and practices that protect minority rights. The organization works to adress stigma, discrimination, and systemic inequalities that hinder the empowerment of marginalized communities. Key activities include advocacy for inclusive policies and legal reforms, promotion of access to health services such as HIV prevention and mental health support, provision of legal aid to minority groups, and capacity building for communities and stakeholders. CEDEP also supports economic empowerment through vocational training and integration of minority groups into sustainable development initiatives, while holding authorities accountable for transparency and governance. CEDEP operates 4 Drop-In Centres where they provide HIV and STI prevention, testing and treatment services, trainings on sexual and reproductive health, safe sex practices and human rights and mental health issues. CEDEP has more than 600 volunteer peer educators working within the organisation that are themselves part of the LGBTQ+ community. CEDEP is also part of a great national movement on advocacy which seeks to promote good governance, transparency and accountability among others. CEDEP was established as a human rights organization in November 2006, and registered under the Trustees Incorporation Act of 1962.