Stories about Citizen Media from September, 2022
Brazil’s courts debate use of billboards in political campaigns
Despite being prohibited by law, billboards supporting or criticizing candidates have spread across different states during Brazil's electoral period.
Undertones: Anti-army hashtags gain rare visibility in Pakistan
Criticism of Pakistan’s powerful military has always been voiced in hushed tones, but since the ouster of Prime Minister Imran Khan back in April, Pandora’s box has been flung open.
Nepal's Citizenship Bill attracts renewed controversy
The President of Nepal is widely facing criticism for refusing to endorse the amendment of Citizenship Bill 2006 which was passed by the house of representatives of Nepal on July 22, 2022.
Iran's most recent protests are unprecedented — here is why
The protests we are seeing right now are unprecedented; they could be a sign of things to come for Iran and its people.
Cosplay: the pop-culture phenomenon comes back to Kathmandu
On September 17, 2022, thousands of people attended Otaku Jatra Fall 2022, a Nepali anime and cosplay festival held in Kathmandu, Nepal.
‘We are poorer without her’: Trinbagonian human rights advocate Hazel Brown dies
‘Hazel Brown [was] a catalyst for change, and her work to our country, especially towards the upliftment of our women and girls was unprecedented. A national hero in every right.
Looking at the GotaGoGama protests as a learning curve for Sri Lanka
A month after GotaGoGama came to a close, one wonders how have its ideas taken root in the minds of the thousands who engaged with this space of learning.
‘It's not drought, it's plundering,’ criminalized activists say of new law in Querétaro, Mexico
Access to water conflicts are leaving their mark on this Mexican state's recent history. Those protesting against the concession of water to private operators have been criminalized.
Guadeloupe suffers after passage of Tropical Storm Fiona
'The storm’s projected path will see the Dominican Republic feeling her effects by September 18. Thus far, she has maintained speeds of 85 km (50 miles) per hour.'
How did a Nepali ritual altar end up in Berlin?
Kathmandu-based filmmaker Deepak Tolange spotted a richly decorated Buddhist shrine from Nepal in the Museum of Asian Art in Berlin seven years ago and tried to trace its origin.
Devastating Pakistan floods put climate change and climate justice under spotlight
The recent devastating floods in Pakistan have put the spotlight back on climate justice. A combination of factors such as extreme heatwave, melting glaciers and unusually heavy monsoons triggered floods.
“Those people”: comments by French minister spark questions about homophobia in government
The new government of Emmanuel Macron is currently facing backlash over homophobic comments and stances expressed by some of its members.
Lawmakers try to bar gender and sexuality education in Brazil, says Human Rights Watch
Of the proposals to ban or even criminalize the key concepts of "gender" and "sexual orientation" in all areas of education, 47 passed and at least 20 were still in effect as of May 2022.
Solar powered device reduces human-animal conflict in India
An innovative device uses solar-powered technology to generate light flashes to scare animals away from agricultural fields, without harming them. This promises to reduce crop loss from wildlife attacks.
The Caribbean responds to Queen Elizabeth II's complicated legacy
Many in the region have been attempting to achieve a fine balance between acknowledging Queen Elizabeth II's steadfastness and wrestling with a legacy that inflicted its share of pain.
As Jamaica celebrates her birthday, Google captures cultural icon Miss Lou’s spirit in a Doodle
'The beloved Jamaican poet, performer and activist empowered her country to take pride in its unique language.'
Unfreedom Monitor report: Zimbabwe
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Zimbabwe is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
Bollywood's decline, Hindu nationalism's gain: A trend of fandom exodus
In recent years, Muslim Bollywood actors have been targeted for being "anti-national" and there are rising demands from the ultra-right that they need to conform to the Hindu-nationalist narrative.
Creating new, local narratives on climate change in the Bolivian Chaco
Young Indigenous journalists propose more representative media coverage of climate change focused on their lived realities in the Gran Chaco, Bolivia that extends beyond natural disasters.
Meet Ganesh Birua, a champion who is bringing the indigenous Ho language online
Ganesh Birua is a young activist from the Indian state of Odisha. Rising Voices talked with Birua to learn about his efforts to bring his mother tongue to the internet.
How can tea workers in Bangladesh survive on a daily wage of less than 2 USD?
Tea workers in Bangladesh went on a strike demanding a daily wage of BDT 300 (USD 3.16). Their protest earned them a 25 percent pay rise to BDT 170 (USD 1.80). But is it enough?