Introduction
1. Gender Links (GL), the Young Queer Alliance (YQA) and the Collectif Arc-en-Ciel (CAEC) envision an inclusive, equal and just society free from stigma, discrimination, and violence related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics and where Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) persons enjoy equal human rights.
2. GL, YQA and CAEC share a common mission which is to promote LGBTQIA+ rights, advancing gender equality, fostering inclusion and diversity, conducting advocacy efforts, and undertaking research initiatives to support these objectives. Working towards achieving this mission, the three organisations recognise the value of collaboration and partnership.
3. In this context, GL, YQA and CAEC are inviting Academics, Legal Practitioners, Law firms and Human Rights Consultancy firms to submit their Expression of Interest for a comparative legal analysis for legal gender recognition for trans people in Mauritius.
Objectives
4. The comparative legal analysis has the objective to enable human rights institutions, policy makers and legislators to have an insight on the legislative framework in Mauritius with regard to Universal Human Rights principles; as well as having a baseline for legislative change. It will also enable in supporting litigation efforts for the human rights of LGBTQIA+ people.
5. With a focus on gender equality and trans people, the research shall comprise, inter-alia:
(a) a situation overview of the evolution of rights of LGBTQIA+ persons in Mauritius;
(b) an overview of human rights standards and instruments; and desirable policies/legislations for LGBTQIA+ people;
(c) the methodology used for the analysis;
(d) the rationale behind selection of human rights instruments and countries selected for the purpose of the research;
(e) the comparative legal analysis of legal gender recognition for trans people in the Republic of Mauritius;
(f) identifying gaps in legal protection, healthcare services and support system;
(g) conclusion and recommendations; and
(h) a position paper and briefs of key issues highlighted in the research.
6. The selected applicant will be required to:
(a) attend monthly/regular meetings with GL, YQA and CAEC for the proper development/completion of the research; and
(b) participate in a half-day workshop to be held by latest March 2025 with relevant stakeholders and the press to present the elements of the research.
Deliverables
7. The deliverables of the research are expected to be completed by January 2025. Disbursement of funds in relation to the research will be made by Gender Links as follows:
Milestone | Disbursement |
Submission of 5 (a), (b), (c) and (d) | 25% |
Submission of 5 (e), (f) and (g) | 50% |
Submission of 5 (h) and participation in half-day workshop | 25% |
8. Funds will be disbursed within 15 days of completion of each research milestone. A 1% of research cost penalty will be applicable to the selected applicant per day of delay in submission of the research and its associated milestone.
9. The cost proposal (inclusive of VAT) should not exceed MUR 375,000.
Submission of Proposals
10. Applicants are to submit the following in their proposal:
(a) an abstract;
(b) a cost-breakdown (inclusive of VAT) of works to be undertaken;
(c) the implementation timeline; and
(d) the credentials (and experience where applicable) of the company and/or persons involved.
11. Interested applicants are kindly requested to submit proposals by email with subject “Comparative Legal Analysis – Legal Gender Recognition” addressed to Gender Links, progmauritius@genderlinks.org.za on or before 05 May 2024, 23:59 hrs (local time) at latest.
12. Successful applicants will be invited for an interview and presentation of their proposal as part of the selection exercise to be conducted by GL, YQA and CAEC.
13. GL, YQA and CAEC reserve the right NOT to retain any proposal following the Expression of Interest or the presentation/interview.
The management of Gender Links, Young Queer Alliance and Collectif Arc-En-Ciel