Hosted by De Nederlandsche Bank | In collaboration with Workplace Pride, the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and RVO
On Friday, August 1st, 2025, De Nederlandsche Bank opened its doors to host Stories from the Heart, a powerful and emotional gathering that brought together LGBTIQ+ human rights activists from across the African continent with members of the Workplace Pride community. Co-organised with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and RVO, this annual event offered a rare and intimate window into the lived realities, struggles, and triumphs of LGBTIQ+ people in regions where acceptance is still far from guaranteed.
Held at De Nederlandsche Bank in Amsterdam, the event served as a platform for global storytelling, dialogue, and deep reflection. It formed part of the RVO’s Building Bridges program, which connects local activists with international networks and corporate stakeholders committed to equity and inclusion.
Bridging the Gap Between Law and Practice
This year’s theme, “Bridging the Gap Between Law and Practice,” highlighted the persistent challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ communities even in countries with progressive laws on paper. Five extraordinary speakers—each a leader in advocacy, law, youth empowerment, or social entrepreneurship—shared heartfelt testimonies and hard-won insights into their work. David Pollard opened the event along side keynote speakers: Artie Debidien from De Nederlandsche Bank and Jelte van Wieren from the Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken
Their insights and commitment to progress set the tone for an event of learning, connection, and action.
Meet the Speakers
Gilbert (he/him) – Kenya
A globally recognised human rights lawyer and founder of PRISM Lab, Gilbert has played a pivotal role in strategic litigation to protect LGBTQ+ rights across Kenya. With a decade of experience, he continues to push boundaries in legal reform and queer political inclusion throughout East Africa.
Neo (she/her) – Lesotho
Neo is a powerful voice for LBQ visibility and youth-led inclusion in Lesotho. Through her work at QueerWorX and GoldenDykesEnt., she advocates for the social protection of queer people in public spaces, mental health support for LBQ women, and the integration of LGBTIQA+ voices in youth movements.
Aldovanda (Haldo) (she/her) – Mozambique
A seasoned advocate for young LBQ women’s health and rights, Haldo has over nine years of experience in feminist organising and program leadership. Through her work with POR ELA and other international partnerships, she elevates LBQ voices in public policy and grassroots activism.
JoJo (she/her) – Rwanda
Founder of Blossom Bridge Initiative, Josine is a seasoned activist and entrepreneur advocating for gender equality and the inclusion of LBTQ individuals and female sex workers in Rwanda. With over a decade of experience, she is a driving force behind regional human rights reform and social entrepreneurship.
Reon (he/him) – South Africa
A dynamic social impact consultant and founder of Impacting Youth, Reon empowers organisations to co-lead with youth in climate action, education, and multilateral reform. His diplomacy work bridges grassroots engagement with global development efforts, particularly through his advisory roles across Africa.
Reflections & Impact
Stories from the Heart provided a rare space for mutual exchange between activists and Workplace Pride members whose companies operate across international and often complex socio-political landscapes. Each speaker brought unique perspectives on resilience, strategy, and hope—highlighting how local action, when amplified globally, can lead to lasting change.
For many attendees, the event served as both a call to action and a reminder of the human spirit’s capacity for courage. As one audience member noted:
“Not everyone expects grand gestures—small steps can make a big difference. Start by doing what you can in your own community.”
Thank You
Workplace Pride sincerely thanks De Nederlandsche Bank for hosting, and our partners at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and RVO for making this important gathering possible. A heartfelt thank you to Deborah Abrahams and Marie-Jeannine Citroen for their invaluable support and contributions behind the scenes—your work made this event truly special. Most of all, we honour the storytellers—activists, advocates, and changemakers—who travelled from across Africa to share their voices and illuminate paths toward inclusion.
Together, we continue to build bridges that span continents, identities, and hearts.
