Stories about Feature from January, 2015
The Man Behind 263Chat, an Award-Winning Platform for Conversation in Zimbabwe
Nigel Mugamu launched #263Chat in September 2012. "We like to amplify people’s voices too – that’s important to us," he says.
Voting For Ourselves

As a result of her no-holds-barred commentary on life and politics, Trinidad and Tobago blogger Rhoda Bharath is often asked who she's voting for in this year's general election.
Charlie Is Ahmed. And Ahmed Is Charlie: Hashtags Emerging From the Tragedy in France
While we consume news from France, commenting on freedom of satirical expression, Islam and France as a society, the concept of French universalism and republicanism is left in the shadows.
How #EuroMaidan and War with Russia Have Changed Ukraine's Internet
Global Voices takes a look at how #EuroMaidan and Russia's interventions in Crimea and the Donbas have changed Internet use in Ukraine.
#JeSuisCharlie: Muslims Have Nothing to Apologize For

Besides the actual attack, what bothered me the most was thousands of people asking, “why aren’t Muslims condemning this?”, writes Joey Ayoub.
What Drives Blasphemy Charges in the Middle East? (It's Not Just Religion)

Sentenced to death for his online writing, Mauritanian blogger Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mohamed is yet another victim of a repressive government using “apostasy” pretexts to crack down political speech.
Your Guide to Sri Lanka's 2015 Presidential Election
Incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa faces off against his former health minister, Maithripala Sirisena, in a presidential contest rife with electoral violations, social media manipulation, and constitutional stakes for Sri Lanka.
Şanar Yurdatapan's Museum of Crimes of Thought Takes Aim at Growing Oppression in Turkey
Sanar Yurdatapan, renowned Turkish composer, song-writer and activist talks about his Museum of Thought Crimes online initiative, which aims to document violations committed by government against pro-democracy forces in Turkey.
Shock Over Former Minister's Death – and How Trinidad & Tobago's Media Reported It
Former Minister of National Security Martin's Joseph's drowning was tragic enough; the insensitivity of the media added insult to injury. Netizens hope for more humane reporting in 2015.
Eastern Ukraine Unfiltered, By the Numbers

RuNet Echo has interviewed and profiled 12 bloggers, citizen journalists, and social media users in Eastern Ukraine and Crimea. Here's how that breaks down.
The #Heimkino Project Crowdsources a Warm ‘Willkommen’ for Refugees in Germany
#Heimkino asks Germans to film themselves saying basic words and phrases as part of a short videos support a German language course at a refugee centre in Siegen.
Young Brazilians Are Creating Radio Jingles to Promote Sustainable Amazon Development

Youth in the Brazilian Amazon community Cabelo Seco are taking the lead through a radio project, supported by Rising Voices, to promote sustainability through traditional, digital, and innovative means.
Corruption, Climate Change and Chik-V Stole Headlines in the Caribbean in 2014
A mass outbreak of the Chikungunya virus and an environmental activist's hunger strike along with several good news stories were the talk of the Caribbean's blogosphere in 2014.
Lovers of the Middle East, Unite!
Two lovers have started collecting 100 love stories from around the Middle East to show the world that the Arab Uprisings brought about unique social change.
EU Citizens Petition Against CETA and TTIP Trade Arrangements
This year watch for two transatlantic trade arrangements being negotiated by the EU with Canada and the US respectively. European civic groups fear they will trample over the public interest.