Country report 2017: MALI

The Coalition Against AIDS (CAS) organised a day of awareness raising on May 17th, with the support of the Dutch Embassy and in presence of a wide range of civil society organisations.
In a country plagued by rampant homophobia, especially since the outburst of the “Campaign Against Homosexuality in Mali”, organising such an event was a brave endeavour. Indeed, surveys have revealed that 85% of people who came out have as a consequence fallen victim of extortion and blackmail.
The event’s activities included various presentations on homo/transphobia and on HIV, but also role plays, theatre performances and other interactive methods to raise awareness. Several videos were screened, including local feature films on same-sex relationships.