Gender Equity Unit Gender Equity Unit Director Michelle R. Kaufman, PhD, participated in a dissemination event in Guayaquil, Ecuador, addressing journalists and LGBTQI+ policy experts on preliminary findings from a study supported by the Gender Equity Unit. Speaking via live stream, Kaufman highlighted a study aimed at strengthening rights policies for LGBTQI+, trans, and gender-diverse individuals in the country.

Titled “Diverse Gender Identities and Implications for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS),” the research explores how CRVS systems and IDs impact people’s ability to access healthcare, and the challenges with obtaining accurate IDs for gender-diverse people. This comprehensive study was conducted in Bulgaria, Ecuador, and Peru.

The event was hosted by the Silueta X Association, the project’s implementing partner in Ecuador, where Marcela Benavides, principal investigator at Silueta X, also presented her insights.

“We look forward to the release of the final report this year, which promises to provide crucial insights for policymakers,” said Kaufman, emphasizing the significance of this research in promoting equality and supporting vulnerable communities.