Civic Space Today

The Civic Space Today with Southern Defenders is a podcast that explores the status of the civic and political space in the Southern Africa region, by unpacking critical issues that shape the space.

EP18: Disability and Human Rights – What’s Working? 10/21/2024

EP18: Disability and Human Rights – What’s Working? 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. /episode/index/show/d85ff9f9-dc60-4822-9801-d7bb575def03/id/33545167

EP17: Ensuring Safety and Security for Human Rights Defenders 08/16/2024

EP17: Ensuring Safety and Security for Human Rights Defenders 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. /episode/index/show/d85ff9f9-dc60-4822-9801-d7bb575def03/id/32600342

EP16: Navigating the Intersection of AI and Human Rights in Southern Africa 08/01/2024

EP16: Navigating the Intersection of AI and Human Rights in Southern Africa 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. /episode/index/show/d85ff9f9-dc60-4822-9801-d7bb575def03/id/32382252

EP15: Advocating for Trans Rights: The Botswana Trans Initiative Journey 06/26/2024

EP15: Advocating for Trans Rights: The Botswana Trans Initiative Journey 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 the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable society for trans persons in Botswana. /episode/index/show/d85ff9f9-dc60-4822-9801-d7bb575def03/id/31893227

EP14: Human Rights and the Polls - South Africa's May 29 Elections 05/28/2024

EP14: Human Rights and the Polls - South Africa's May 29 Elections 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. /episode/index/show/d85ff9f9-dc60-4822-9801-d7bb575def03/id/31495502

EP13: Media and Human Rights in Southern Africa 04/23/2024

EP13: Media and Human Rights in Southern Africa 🎙️ 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 /episode/index/show/d85ff9f9-dc60-4822-9801-d7bb575def03/id/30953743

EP12: Nurturing Collective Care for Women Human Rights Defenders 03/19/2024

EP12: Nurturing Collective Care for Women Human Rights Defenders 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. /episode/index/show/d85ff9f9-dc60-4822-9801-d7bb575def03/id/30435768

EP11: #WomensDay: Empowering Frontline Women Human Rights Defenders in Southern Africa 03/07/2024

EP11: #WomensDay: Empowering Frontline Women Human Rights Defenders in Southern Africa 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. /episode/index/show/d85ff9f9-dc60-4822-9801-d7bb575def03/id/30265813

EP10: Witness to History: Reflecting on President Geingob’s Life and Legacy with One of his Youngest Advisors 02/21/2024

EP10: Witness to History: Reflecting on President Geingob’s Life and Legacy with One of his Youngest Advisors 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. /episode/index/show/d85ff9f9-dc60-4822-9801-d7bb575def03/id/30058368

EP9: 'A Song Unfinished: Remembering Thulani Maseko and his Fight for Human Rights' 01/25/2024

EP9: 'A Song Unfinished: Remembering Thulani Maseko and his Fight for Human Rights' 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 /episode/index/show/d85ff9f9-dc60-4822-9801-d7bb575def03/id/29652543

EP8: Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 12/12/2023

EP8: Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Ms Abigail Noko, the Regional Representative of the Regional Office of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Southern Africa, joins us to reflect on two things: firstly, the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and secondly, our r6th annnual Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Summit held in Namibia. /episode/index/show/d85ff9f9-dc60-4822-9801-d7bb575def03/id/29045938

EP7: Situating Mental Health in the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights 11/16/2023

EP7: Situating Mental Health in the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights This episode locates mental health within human rights promotion and protection. Malawi based clinical psychologist Dr Mathero Michelle Nkhalamba joins us to unpack the issues surrounding mental health in communities that have in the past or are experiencing different forms of human rights violations. She draws attention to the challenges human rights defenders face in doing the brave work they do advocating for social justice, and tables strategies for individuals, organizations and communities to build mental resilience. /episode/index/show/d85ff9f9-dc60-4822-9801-d7bb575def03/id/28644273

EP6: The Law, Human Rights and Womn: A Conversation with the Minister of Justice of Namibia 10/24/2023

EP6: The Law, Human Rights and Womn: A Conversation with the Minister of Justice of Namibia The epsiode explores the role of the law in protecting the human rights of womn in Namibia. We discuss the challenges of ensuring that the law is applied fairly and impartially, regardless of gender, and the impact of new technologies on the protection of human rights. We also speak into the role of civil society in promoting and strengthening the application of the law in the the protection of human rights. The rich and intersectional lens provided by the Minister of Justice of Namibia, Yvonne Dausab, provides great insights on the subject. /episode/index/show/d85ff9f9-dc60-4822-9801-d7bb575def03/id/28413683

EP5: Reflections on the state of the civic space in the DRC ahead of the 2023 elections 09/18/2023

EP5: Reflections on the state of the civic space in the DRC ahead of the 2023 elections The 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. /episode/index/show/d85ff9f9-dc60-4822-9801-d7bb575def03/id/28055610

EP4: My Journey to the Frontline of Human Rights Defending 08/13/2023

EP4: My Journey to the Frontline of Human Rights Defending Today's episode deep dives into the life of Tanele Maseko, a human rights defender from eSwatini. She is the widow of Thulani Maseko, a widely celebrated activist who was murdered in his home on 21 January 2023 by suspected state agents. Her story and journey is one of resilience, and mirrors the inspiring commitment and passionthat drives human rights defenders. Who even when the challenges seem insurmountable, continue to fight for what they believe in, like a flame that refuses to be extinguished. /episode/index/show/d85ff9f9-dc60-4822-9801-d7bb575def03/id/27740334

EP3: The Role of Government in Safeguarding the Civic Space 07/20/2023

EP3: The Role of Government in Safeguarding the Civic Space This episode draws attention to Zimbabwe, reflecting on the role of national and local government in safeguarding the civic space. Our guest is the Mayor of Harare, Jacob Mafume, joining us to unpack the impact the government has had on the civic space. We close off with recommendations on best practices. /episode/index/show/d85ff9f9-dc60-4822-9801-d7bb575def03/id/27523287

EP2: The Intersection of Government and Civil Society 06/15/2023

EP2: The Intersection of Government and Civil Society The June episode is set against the backdrop of the June 16 youth day commemoration in South Africa that recognizes the role of young people in the Soweto uprising in South Africa in 1976. It features Zambia's Honorable Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Fumba Chama and reflects on his transition from the creative arts and civic space to leadership in government. We put a spotlight on how he continues to engage CSOs in his new role as a government official. /episode/index/show/d85ff9f9-dc60-4822-9801-d7bb575def03/id/27104859

EP1: Unpacking the 2023 Freedom in the World Report 05/10/2023

EP1: Unpacking the 2023 Freedom in the World Report This episode unpacks the 2023 Freedom in the World Report. Freedom in the World is a yearly survey and report by the U.S.-based non-governmental organization Freedom House that measures the degree of civil liberties and political rights in every nation and significant related and disputed territories around the world. Tiseke Kasambala, the Africa Programs Director at Freedom House, joins us to discuss the key findings of the report, paying particular attention to the Southern Africa Region. /episode/index/show/d85ff9f9-dc60-4822-9801-d7bb575def03/id/26763018

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