A Practical Guidebook for the Inclusion of LGBTQI+ Groups in the WPS Architecture
The "Women, Peace, and Security Agenda" (WPS) is all about making sure that women are treated fairly and included in decisions about peace and safety around the world.
In September 2023, the Centre for Feminist Foreign Policy (CFFP), supported by the Berghof Foundation, released a practical guidebook to help civil society representatives and policymakers better understand and address the needs of LGBTQI+ individuals within the WPS Architecture.
The guidebook aims to strengthen partnerships between different groups and promote more inclusive discussions on international policy regarding WPS. It was created with input from various organizations and experts through multiple rounds of consultations, including with a Working Group of 18 organizations and Reference Groups involving governments and partners. The content is based on research, interviews, and expert opinions to offer thorough guidance.
→ the challenge
The WPS Agenda doesn't include everyone it should. It's missing out on considering the needs, priorities, and perspectives of LGBTQI+ people.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition among governments, international organizations, and civil society about the importance of including gender in the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda. However, LGBTQI+ needs and perspectives are still not fully included in these efforts.
→ our insight
Anti-Heroine Media was brought on to translate expert findings and recommendations.
Anti-Heroine Media came on board to translate CFFP’s comprehensive guidebook into a highly visual and accessible design. The process was collaborative and foregrounded the diverse perspectives of CFFP and their partners. In addition, Anti-Heroine Media worked with engineers at the Atingi platform to develop an interactive supplementary e-learning programme, incorporating best practices for digital engagement.
→ the solution
We developed a highly visual and accessible guidebook and supplementary e-learning programme.
In both the guidebook and e-learning programme, Anti-Heroine Media utilised all of the colours in the Progress Pride Flag so that readers and learners of the program felt represented, and a sense of belonging and hope as they navigated through the subject matter. The Progress Pride Flag is intentional about representing BIPOC, transgender, and nonbinary folks, whose experiences are pivotal to transformative shifts in WPS.
Our creative direction was inspired by the connection between the project of peacebuilding and its connection to nature. Each chapter represents one of the four elements: earth, air, water, and fire. This symbolizes the way that the guidebook functions to pull together underrepresented voices and perspectives, including those who have been disproportionately impacted by conflict, to create a true holistic picture for transformative change.
Accessibility was front and centre in the design of the products, including captioning and transcription for the videos, alternative text for graphics, and appropriate colour contrast.
Using the Atingi platform, we designed a supplementary e-learning programme drawing on the handbook, to offer learners a foundational understanding of LGBTQI+ issues, culminating in a certificate upon completion.
Through four modules, the course integrates games, reflection exercises, and multimedia to keep learners engaged while providing insights from experts on the ground.
Upon completion, participants gain the necessary tools to integrate LGBTQI+ perspectives, needs, priorities, and lived experiences into their work.