The last few months have re-invigorated Americans’ ideas about the heroic work of journalists. Linchpins of democracy, reporters who demand the truth work at considerable risk — personal insults, job loss, and the broad brush of “fake news” lobbed at them from politicians with a lot to lose. But systematic attacks on the press, now a daily fixture of life in the U.S., are still far worse in many countries where AJWS works.
Under authoritarian rulers, the business of truth-telling isn’t just difficult; it’s incredibly dangerous.
With World Press Freedom Day just around the corner (coming up on May 3!), we wanted to shine a light on activists and organizations we support around the world bravely broadcasting messages of hope, peace, compassion, and truth.
In Uganda, AJWS partner Kuchu Times Media Group publishes stories about the queer community in a country where same-sex relationships are illegal and can be punishable by death. Kuchu Times just launched a podcast, spotlighting inspiring conversations with queer activists.
“It’s a historical record,” says host Pepe Onziema. “I want there to be proof that even at the height of repression, we were thinking, loving, organizing, and imagining freedom.”
Read on, and listen in.
More Stories of Hope
- In Thailand, freedom of speech and the press simply do not exist; criticizing the Thai monarchy can land journalists and activists in prison. But AJWS grantee iLaw is building a movement of citizens fighting for free expression. We talked to the graphic designer responsible for spreading this message in creative, unique ways across Thailand.
- The Casamance region of Senegal has been gripped by violent conflict between the military and separatist guerillas for more than four decades — but a full peace agreement is on the horizon. At Radio Number 1 FM, an independent station supported by AJWS, journalist Ibrahima Gassama and his young team of radio reporters are bringing diverse perspectives to the table, and helping people believe peace is possible.
- We applaud The Star, a daily Nairobi newspaper, for spotlighting our longtime grantee Samburu Women Trust to celebrate International Women’s Day. SWT has helped generations of Indigenous women across Kenya fight for their rights to land and water, while gaining autonomy over their own lives.
- Rabbis have long been important members of social justice movements — and today is no different. In March, a cohort of passionate American rabbis joined AJWS staff, including AJWS President and CEO Tawanda Mutasah, to lobby in Washington, D.C. They asked Congress members to address the crises in Haiti and to oppose the proposed expansion of the Global Gag Rule which would deny federal funding to more NGOs and impact more programs than ever before. Following the day of advocacy, Rabbi Michael Beals wrote this powerful piece connecting the enduring message of Passover to his day of advocacy.
The Mohammad Bazar Backward Classes Development Society (MBBCDS) helps marginalized women and girls from Muslim communities and ethnic minorities climb towards a better future in rural West Bengal, India. Through education and counseling, the organization empowers girls to stay in school, and combat violence, sexual assault, discrimination, and high dowry demands.
Around the world, AJWS supports free press, expression, and speech — basic human rights that are too often, and sometimes violently, under attack. We all know similar assaults of freedom are happening here at home, as well.
But truth will prevail; we’re sure of it.
In solidarity,
Your friends at AJWS
