Stories about Feature from May, 2019
Indonesian General Election 2019: Unique events from the campaign trail
According to an Australian think-tank Lowy Institute, Indonesia has the distinction of holding the largest single-day elections in a democratic country.
Recent troubles rock the historical Kano Kingdom in northern Nigeria
The ancient Kingdom of Kano has thrived for centuries. Now, a political rivalry has led Kano's civilian governor to split the unified kingdom into five parts.
‘I don't want to be hacked to death!': Kenyans speak out against a spike in murders of women
On May 27, 20 female members of parliament in Kenya launched a campaign against femicide called "Her Life Matters," to raise national consciousness on killings that occur within relationships.
Russia: Kommersant staff walk out in protest of censorship, triggering journalism ethics debate
The entire politics desk of Kommersant, several dozen people in total, has since resigned out of solidarity with their colleagues.
North Macedonia to hold first-ever pride parade in June 2019
North Macedonia’s first pride parade is yet another testament to the country's recent political transition. Homophobic violence was markedly tolerated by the previous government.
This ‘cholita’ drag challenges gender and folklore stereotypes from the Argentine periphery
"It is not the same to be a white gay [man] from the city than a brown gay [man], with body that is not normative, with an indigenous face..."
Can’t wait to be married: hundreds of same-sex couples celebrate their weddings in Taiwan
May 24 opens the gates to marriage equality for same-sex couples in Taiwan. Hundreds of couples got married on the island, celebrating social recognition and the end of discrimination.
Kenyan writer, Binyavanga Wainaina, who taught the world ‘how to write about Africa,’ dies at 48
"There is only one Binyavanga Wainaina. He is an ancestor now. Let us celebrate his life." The world mourns the loss and honors the prolific life of Kenya's leading writer.
India's Lok Sabha 2019: Results are in after a weeks-long election process
People have taken to Twitter to vent out their anticipation. Many have taken the exit polls results to be completely reflective of the actual results and have started congratulating Narendra Modi.
Afghanistan's Mina Mangal: ‘A strong, self-made woman’ gunned down in broad daylight
The prominent journalist-turned-parliamentary advisor hinted that she needed protection. No one stepped in to provide it.
Love wins: same-sex marriage law fully endorsed by Taiwan’s legislature
Taiwan is the first country in Asia to recognize same-sex marriage, now officially voted by the parliament. The first weddings are expected on May 24.
Why are Colombian indigenous peoples protesting against President Ivan Duque?
Indigenous people in Colombia have organized national protests against President Duque's new development plan, joining forces with other civil society groups like afro-Colombians, small-scale farmers, labor unions and students.
Netizen Report: Amid WhatsApp attacks, advocates launch legal challenge against Israeli malware maker
Spyware makers exploit a security flaw in WhatsApp, Singapore bans false information and Somalia plans to shut down social media during school exams.
In Hong Kong, the sexual connotation of Ikea's new tofu ice cream ad creates controversy
"[The ad] generates the image of a woman wishing for her body to be eaten like tofu."
Hong Kong multimedia project commemorates the 30th anniversary of June 4 massacre in Beijing
"Facts are being distorted [...] No journalist should let this happen. Not only should they retell the tragedy but also their insights into it. That's the obligation of every witness of history."
Looking back at Feral Tribune, Croatia's doomed but legendary satirical newspaper
Feral Tribune was known for its impartial coverage of war in the Balkans and caricatures that ridiculed the nationalist leaders in former Yugoslavia.
Netizen Report: Widespread throttling puts social media out of reach in Kazakhstan
Social media is faltering in Venezuela, throttled in Kazakhstan and back in action in Sri Lanka.
How the word ‘gender’ became a slur in Bulgaria
Homophobia and transphobia are widespread in Bulgaria, whose government has recently cozied up to the extreme right.
Is Stella Nyanzi ‘weaponizing the vagina'? Ugandan feminist goes to court in free speech case
On her quest for good governance, Stella Nyanza is "unflinching in her criticism of the Ugandan government" and unafraid to tackle taboos around sex, gender and LGBT rights.
Despite the release of detained Reuters reporters, free speech remains under threat in Myanmar
"...the case of Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo is proof that journalists are in constant risk of political reprisal for keeping power in check."
Brazilian indigenous people buy shares in railway company to denounce its failed environmental obligations
Their shareholders' goal isn't to profit, but to have their voices heard by the company's investors.