Community Meetings on Electoral Participation and Safety Ahead of Parliamentary Elections

In the run-up to the parliamentary elections, we held three monthly community meetings with a total of 36 trans, LGBIQ individuals, and sex workers. Each session brought together small groups in a safe and welcoming space to talk, learn, and support each other.

We focused on practical, easy-to-understand information about voting and elections - how to register, what to expect at polling stations, and why participation matters. We also discussed the real barriers community members face, including discrimination, safety risks, and limited access, and explored practical ways to navigate them.

A key part of each meeting was safety and support. Participants received clear information on what to do in cases of emergency, harassment, or rights violations, and how to reach organizational support when needed.

Just as important as the information was the space itself. Participants openly shared their experiences, asked questions, and discussed their concerns ahead of the elections. Over time, the meetings helped build trust and stronger connections within the group.

Many participants reported feeling more informed, more confident about their rights, and better prepared to take part in the electoral process safely and meaningfully.