Stories about Citizen Media from January, 2021
A social media blackout persists in Uganda, weeks after the election
Uganda's longtime leader Yoweri Museveni was reelected for a sixth term, as rival Bobi Wine alleges massive irregularities, state inspired violence, intimidation and harassment.
Mozambican football back in action with the debut of all-women referee trio
Known as Moçambola, Mozambique's main professional football league restarted on 16 January after 10 months' suspension due to the pandemic.
Famed Serbian film director arrested after former students accuse him of rape
The scandal has captured the Balkans' social media conversation in recent weeks.
Indigenous-led telecommunications organization wins historic legal battle in Mexico
The Indigenous-led telecommunications organization can continue to provide affordable cell phone access to local communities in Oaxaca.
Landmark ruling opens the way for environmental transparency in Trinidad and Tobago
Communities celebrate judgement that supports full access to the findings of Environmental Impact Assessments.
In Tanzania, full-throttle COVID-19 denial leaves citizens without access to public health information
Since March 2020, the Tanzanian government has gone silent on the coronavirus with no data released to the public on infections or deaths.
Why can't women be marriage registrars in Bangladesh?
A recent court rule in Bangladesh denying women to be marriage registrars has sparked heated debates as women and human rights activists question the basis of the judgement.
Russian protesters rally in support of jailed opposition leader Alexey Navalny
Unusually large numbers of Russian citizens are protesting against the imprisonment of opposition leader Alexey Navalny - on the street and on TikTok.
Join us LIVE on January 29 for ‘The Milk Tea Alliance: Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong's unified fight for democracy’
Join us for a lively discussion about the impact of the transnational youth protest movement which united countries in Asia in the fight for democracy.
UK strain of COVID-19 arrives in Trinidad & Tobago
The variant was detected via genome sequencing testing being done by the University of the West Indies.
Unmarried women and sexual health: Battling stigma in India
"If you are not married, and having sexual relationships, you are considered impure and the doctor will not treat you."
Tunisia’s fight against COVID-19 unmasks shaky ground for digital rights
In Tunisia, local authorities have, throughout the pandemic, resorted to historical tricks by using vague, existing laws to curb freedom of expression and limit citizens’ rights to information.
In Mozambique, a tug of war between public health and digital rights during the pandemic
Under an extended state of emergency in Mozambique, several new digital platforms emerged to disseminate COVID-19 information. But these initiatives lack clarity in terms of data privacy and personal security.
In Guinea, President Alpha Condé takes his third term despite long-running controversy
Guinean president Alpha Condé succeeded in getting reelected for a third time by imposing a constitutional reform obtained in poll criticized by opposition and organizations.
Social media blackout, violent crackdown on opposition ahead of presidential elections in Uganda
“Millions of young people demand reform and say their future is pitted against a small cadre of tyrants committed to retaining power at all costs,” says Bobi Wine.
Inside Argentina’s ‘green tide’ of feminist activism for the right to legal abortion
It's impossible to explain with words what it was like to live with the anxiety of waiting ... the fear that the bill could be rejected.
Lockdown to shutdown: How COVID-19 stifled digital rights in Zimbabwe
COVID-19 and its subsequent government policies have had far-reaching implications on digital rights and media freedom in Zimbabwe.
Namibia's COVID-19 internet rollout impresses, but excludes and widens control
Namibia's tech-driven effort to bring more Namibians online during the pandemic seems brilliant. But most of Namibia’s historically marginalized native populations have been excluded.
In Uganda, COVID-19 rules are ‘perfect instrument for criminalizing dissent’
In Uganda, increased criminalization of misinformation during the pandemic infringed on citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information, especially targeting journalists and human rights activists.
Bangladesh moves to revive production of muslin, fabric of legend
Muslin is an important part of the heritage of present-day Bangladesh, and especially its capital Dhaka, which was once the centre of production of the exquisite fabric.
The pandemic killed Trinidad & Tobago's 2021 Carnival, but soca music keeps the spirit alive
"Soca Music is an experience, nothing can beat the feeling you get when [...] you hear that one song that hits you with a wave of emotion."