Stories from December, 2016
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."
Transportation Showdown: Japanese Mascots’ Big Butts Vs. Train Doors
Japanese mascots often have a hard time boarding trains. It's because of their butts.
What Christ Is Born Among Us Today?
"Yes, we are Christians, but we don’t want a Christ that doesn’t look like us...."
When They Censored Messaging Apps on Election Day, Montenegrin Regulators ‘Acted Legally’
Political oppositionists and prominent members of the country's civil society say the government's crackdown on social media harmed Montenegro's freedom of expression at a time when it was most needed.
Former Kuwaiti Lawmaker Sentenced to 42 Years in Jail for Tweets, ‘Insulting Saudi Arabia’
Dashti is a critic of Saudi Arabia, in particular its war in Yemen. He is also known for his controversial support of the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad
On YouTube, a Glimpse of the Funny Side of Latin American Christmas Celebrations
Humor: One of the most important elements in Latin American Christmas celebrations.
Things Are Not What They Seem: The Week That Was at Global Voices Podcast
This week, we take you to Paraguay, Iran, Qatar and the Caribbean.
Investigative Journalists Reveal Accumulated Wealth of Serbian Politicians
The revelations, compiled by investigative journalism network KRIK, are generating lively debate online and within traditional media.
Christmas Time Means Loads of Peculiar and Delicious Dishes for Latin Americans
Is your tummy grumbling while home for the holidays? Feast your eyes on the diverse, colorful, and delicious dishes of Latin American tradition in late December.
Watch TED Fellow Bektour Iskender's Talk on the ‘Mega Force’ of Youth Journalism in Kyrgyzstan
In the era of fake news and 'information warfare', the story of Kloop.kg is one that both inspires and reassures.
Iranian-American Designer in New York Leverages Fashion to Create Social Impact
An Iranian-American architect has created a brand inspired by cities to create “an awareness of place and leveraging fashion as a messaging tool to create social impact.”
Netizen Report: Threats on Civil Society Reach New Heights in Macedonia, Egypt
Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Assaults on Rights Activists Harm Civil Society — And Saudi Arabia's Progress
Saudi Arabia's ongoing crackdown on peaceful activism is depriving activists of their freedom and basic rights -- and it's costing the kingdom the work and creativity of its brightest reformists.
Morbid Propaganda in Macedonia Takes Aim at Western Ambassadors
"The xenophobia has terrible consequences, doesn't it? Therefore, please stop spreading it!"
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.
Russian Ambassador to Turkey's Assassination: A Bullet from Aleppo?
A Russian opposition politician fires a rare volley of dissent regarding his country's involvement in the war in Syria.
Thailand’s New Computer Crimes Law Threatens Free Speech and Encryption
"The law's most serious shortcoming is in its giving too much power for authorities to make their own judgement whether certain actions may be deemed in violation of the law."
Kenya Internet Report Charts Increases in Access, E-Commerce and Arrests of Bloggers
Internet penetration is up and blogs are increasingly popular – for readers and writers alike. But arrests of bloggers and online journalists are increasing too.