Stories about Feature from December, 2016
Explore the Lesser Known Part of Madagascar: The Amber Mountain National Park
Amber Mountain National Park lies 40 kilometres from Diego Suarez, in the north of Madagascar. Its humid rainforest covers 23.000 hectors.
The Best of Latin American Info-Activism in 2016 (Part 1)
The best of Latin American info-activism did not fit into one post, so this will be the first of two articles discussing initiatives that sparked online fire throughout the region.
Russia's Five Most Memorable Censorship Moments of 2016
As 2016 comes to a close, RuNet Echo looks back at the five most controversial, infamous, and even ironic actions this year by Russia's federal censors.
The 2016 Russian Words of the Year, Explained
Like many words in Russian, the 2016 words of the year can be explained but not quite translated.
In the Social Media Age, How Should Jamaica’s Head of Government Communicate?
"Jamaica’s Prime Minister [uses] social media. To imply that the press is asking hard-hitting questions that only they are capable of asking, is negating the opinions of the public."
‘Learning to Live with the Narco in Mexico’, Stories from Survivors of the War on Organized Crime
"We must urgently portray the faces of those who face fear."
Bangladesh’s New Year's Celebration of Diversity: Into the Deep Podcast
What might look like just a street party is actually a creative stand for unity—and against the forces of intolerance who seek to divide and oppress Bangladeshis.
Five Things Tearing Afghanistan Apart and the Local Proverbs That Help Explain Them
"The goat worries about his life, the butcher worries about the fat.”
Syria's War May be the Most Documented Ever—And Yet We Know So Little.
With the end of the devastating siege of eastern Aleppo, the world watches, parses and argues over the meaning of the media messages being shared by those remaining within it.
Empathy Was All Around in 2016 for the French-Speaking World, Too
It would be a shame to ignore 2016's less publicized, but still important events, so here goes our look back at the good stuff this year in the French-speaking world.
Breaking a Four-Century Custom That Denied Women Temple Entry in India
"If we all have equal rights and freedom then why such restrictions on women?"
‘Like an Air Raid’ — Stunning Photos of a Japanese Town Consumed By Fire
Outside of natural disasters, the fire in Itoigawa -- likely caused by a ramen shop kitchen mishap -- was Japan's worst in 20 years.
2016: The Year the Caribbean Was Forced to Confront Its Attitude Towards Women
"We do not talk truthfully among ourselves about [...] harassment. Verbal innuendo and unwanted remarks are part of the culture we do not want to get rid of."
What Christ Is Born Among Us Today?
"Yes, we are Christians, but we don’t want a Christ that doesn’t look like us...."
Activists Around the World Could Learn From Peru's History of Protest
Look to civil society's innovations in 1990s Peru, and activists around the world today could learn some vital lessons in resisting autocracy.
Macedonia's Ruling Party Lashes Out at Civil Society After Contested Elections
Flyers naming civil society members (so-called “traitors”) were distributed in the mailboxes and under windshield wipers throughout the capital, Skopje. Others were targeted on social media.
Domestic-Murder Spree Clouds Christmas in Jamaica
"The system of patriarchy continues to socialize men into a false belief that they have the right to control women. Consequently, gender-based violence [...] seems almost ‘normal.'"
Educators Respond to Plans to Expand Orthodox Education in Russian Schools
The proposed course was designed to replace the existing religion curriculum entirely, leaving parents without control over their children’s religious education.
In Addition to Innovation, Journalism Needs Trusted Communities
A friend donates part of a grant to Global Voices, because "infrastructure, communities and trust take a long time to build—and without support, those gains can all too quickly disappear."
‘Keyboard Warriors’ Want To #TakeBackKenya
Even though police used teargas to disperse participants at the #TakeBackKenya walk in Nairobi, Kenyans are determined to speak out against corruption and bad governance.
A Ceremony of Reconciliation in Colombia Shows How Peace is Made by People, not Treaties
"We want there to be peace and we're going to construct it. We're betting on the construction of peace. "