EP5: Reflections on the state of the civic space in the DRC ahead of the 2023 elections
Release Date: 09/18/2023
EP18: Disability and Human Rights – What’s Working?
Civic Space Today
In this episode, we explore the intersection of human rights and disability inclusion, focusing on challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs) and the progress being made in Zambia and across Africa. We discuss successful inclusion models that uphold dignity, equality, and non-discrimination. Our guest, Christine Chama, Zambia’s Human Rights Commissioner and disability advocate, shares her insights on advancing PWD rights and building a more inclusive future.
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EP17: Ensuring Safety and Security for Human Rights Defenders
Civic Space Today
In this episode, host Mantate Mlotshwa speaks with Dr. Keith Silika about the challenges facing human rights defenders in Zimbabwe. Dr. Silika, an expert in policing and forensic analysis, discusses the current climate for activists, strategies for preventing abductions, and the significance of community and digital safety. The conversation highlights effective risk assessment methods, the role of international support, and the importance of accurate incident recording. Tune in for valuable insights into protecting those who defend human rights.
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EP16: Navigating the Intersection of AI and Human Rights in Southern Africa
Civic Space Today
Host Mantate Mlotshwa explores the complex landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on human rights in Southern Africa with Nompilo Simanje, a lawyer and expert on technology, law, and human rights. Nompilo, the Africa Advocacy and Partnerships Lead at the International Press Institute, brings extensive experience in promoting access to information, media freedom, freedom of expression, and the right to privacy.
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EP15: Advocating for Trans Rights: The Botswana Trans Initiative Journey
Civic Space Today
In this special Pride Month edition, host Mantate Mlotshwa is joined by Sputla Mogorosi, Co-Director of the Botswana Trans Initiative (BTI), to discuss the vital work of advocating for and protecting trans and gender diverse individuals in Botswana. Sputla shares the inspiring personal journey that led to the creation of BTI and highlights the organization's key areas of focus: advocacy and legal reform, movement building, public awareness and education, and addressing intersectionality. Discover the challenges and triumphs BTI has faced, their significant achievements in legal reforms, and...
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EP14: Human Rights and the Polls - South Africa's May 29 Elections
Civic Space Today
We are joined by Yanga Malotana, Programme Manager for Project Vote, Emerging Scholars Initiative, University of Pretoria, to discuss the upcoming May 29 elections in South Africa and the critical human rights issues at stake. The 2024 elections pose several essential questions about ensuring a fair, inclusive, and democratic process. We explore key topics such as voter participation, media freedom, protection mechanisms for human rights, and strategies for including marginalized groups. Join us as we unpack these pressing issues and their implications for South Africa's democratic future.
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EP13: Media and Human Rights in Southern Africa
Civic Space Today
🎙️ Delving into the vital nexus of media and human rights in Southern Africa with Zenaida Machado, Senior Researcher at Human Rights Watch. Join us as we explore the crucial role of journalism in safeguarding human rights, bridging mainstream media with citizen journalism, and amplifying the voices of HRDs. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how media serves as a beacon for justice and accountability. #HumanRights #MediaFreedom #SouthernAfrica
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EP12: Nurturing Collective Care for Women Human Rights Defenders
Civic Space Today
Chazile Dlamini-Magagula from SWAGAA joins us to discuss self-care, collective care strategies, and building supportive communities for WHRDs. This episode is a resource for WHRDs seeking ways to rejuvenate themselves, prioritize their well-being, and ultimately become the best of themselves – for the movement they champion, their families, and the communities they serve.
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EP11: #WomensDay: Empowering Frontline Women Human Rights Defenders in Southern Africa
Civic Space Today
This International Women's Day episode is a recognition of both the achievements in women's empowerment and the ongoing fight for equality. It situates itself within a global emphasis on the need for continued innovation and adaptation to address global challenges faced by women. Lungile Mnisi, the Regional Advisor for Gender and Social Inclusion at Southern Human Rights Defenders Network joins us to discuss Southern Defenders women's network and its upcoming International Women's Day event. We'll learn why they focus on women human rights defenders and how the network supports them.
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EP10: Witness to History: Reflecting on President Geingob’s Life and Legacy with One of his Youngest Advisors
Civic Space Today
On Sunday, February 4, 2024, the President of Namibia, Hage Geingob, succumbed to cancer and died at the age of 82. In this episode, we join the people of Namibia in reflecting on the life and leadership of President Geingob. We are joined by Ester Simon, a phenomenal young woman who served the President as his youngest advisor in the high-level panel on the Namibian economy. We hope to unpack the President’s youth focus, and the experiences of youth leaders in various capacities that got to serve in his tenure.
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EP9: 'A Song Unfinished: Remembering Thulani Maseko and his Fight for Human Rights'
Civic Space Today
January 21, 2024, marked a year since the assassination of Eswatini's Thulani Maseko, a human rights defender and lawyer whose work impacted the human rights sector tremendously. Advocate Sibusiso Nhlabatsi, a Swazi Human Rights Lawyer, joins this episode to shed insights on Thulani’s life, death, broader experiences of Human Rights Defenders in Eswatini, and challenges with legal representation of HRDs. #JusticeForThulani
info_outlineThe Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing a shrinking civic space, with human rights defenders (HRDs) increasingly targeted by threats, harassment, and attacks. This is due in part to the ongoing violent conflict in the region, as well as the government's crackdown on dissent. Franck Kamunga joins today's episode to the reflect on the context and its impact on the scheduled elections. The episode also explores recommendations on what different stakeholders must do ahead of the elections.