I am a journalist and correspondent with experience covering news in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. I offer writing, video recording, and fixer services for international media seeking reliable and real-time information from the region.

I have worked as a correspondent for various media ...

Ailyn's Journey from Venezuela to Guatemala

03 Oct 2023  |  laastilla.com  |  Spanish  |  Human Rights

Ailyn and her friend Mayerlin, along with three children, embarked on a perilous journey from Venezuela to Guatemala, crossing six countries without proper entry permits. They faced numerous dangers, including the threat of sexual violence, particularly in the Darién jungle between Colombia and Panama. The article highlights the severe risks and hardships faced by female migrants, including extortion, sexual violence, and lack of access to essential health services. Various humanitarian organizations, including the International Organization for Migration and the International Committee of the Red Cross, provide support, but challenges remain in ensuring the safety and well-being of these migrants.

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International Committee of the Red Cross International Organization for Migration International Women’s Media Foundation United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees United Nations Children's Fund Doctors of the World ORMUSA

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Aliya Bashir is a journalist based in New Delhi, India.

I’m currently in the UK, writing on Brexit from Birmingham for Trouw in the Netherlands. I frequently travels for work to the Middle East, where I Was based in the past. Middle East analyst at IHS Jane's, feature writer for the FT, editor-in-chief of a community quarterly magazine in the ...

Journalism after the Trump shooting

18 Jul 2024  |  Tomorrow's Affairs  |  English  |  Journalism

The article discusses the challenges faced by journalists in reporting on far-right populists like Donald Trump, especially in the wake of his shooting. It highlights the media's struggle to effectively counter the growing popularity of far-right movements in Western countries. The piece emphasizes the importance of media introspection and the need for journalists to defend democracy and open societies. It also examines the role of media narratives in political mobilization, as seen in the recent French elections, and critiques the far-right's tactics of playing the victim card and demonizing the media.

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International Women's Media Foundation Republican Party Dutch journalists’ association

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Kait Bolongaro is an award-winning online and broadcast journalist based in Brussels, Belgium.

Congo’s Female Tech Activists Risk Violence, Jail, and Rape to Speak Out

23 Sept 2016  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Technology

In North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, female tech activists like Christiane Binja, Ley Uwera, and Passy Mubalama face violence, jail, and rape for advocating women's rights and peace. Despite the risks, they use technology to empower women and challenge gender norms. The region's political instability and history of sexual violence against women add to the dangers. The activists' work is crucial for peacebuilding, but they are often marginalized in political processes. The article highlights the importance of their activism in achieving lasting peace and gender equality.

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International Women's Media Foundation Women for Women International UK Yolé Africa World Pulse

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Jorisna is a content creator, editor and award-winning journalist with more than 20 years’ of experience in the media industry. She worked at Media24 at Die Burger newspaper as an in-depth environmental and political reporter before joining WWF-SA as a content creator for four years. Here she ...

Mother of asthmatic children fights for air in dirty shadow of coal power stations

27 Feb 2022  |  Daily Maverick  |  English  |  Energy Policy

The article tells the story of Mbali Mathebula, a mother of two children with severe asthma living in Emalahleni, South Africa, an area heavily polluted due to its coal-intensive industry. Mbali struggles to care for her children, Princess Nondumiso and Asemahle Angel, amidst the health risks posed by the polluted air. The family lives in poverty, and Mbali has lost her job due to the demands of caring for her sick children. The article also covers the broader issues of air pollution, the impact of coal mining, and the legal actions taken by environmental justice organizations to halt the construction of new coal power plants. These organizations argue that the government's plans violate environmental, life, dignity, and equality rights, particularly affecting poor, black South Africans. The article highlights the mental health impacts of climate change and the urgent need for a transition away from fossil fuels.

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International Women’s Media Foundation Witbank TB Specialised Hospital Shoprite African Climate Alliance Vukani Environmental Justice Movement in Action groundWork Centre for Environmental Rights Nancy Shiba Primary School

I am an independent journalist and photographer covering issues of human rights, with a decade's experience. Named the 2012-2013 IWMF Elizabeth Neuffer Fellow, and the 2015 IMC Medienbotschafter Indien-Deutschland. I split my time between Assam in northeast India, and Mumbai in west India.

The Problem with ‘Fixers’

01 Apr 2023  |  www.cjr.org  |  English  |  Power Dynamics

The article discusses the problematic dynamics between foreign correspondents and local journalists, often referred to as 'fixers.' It highlights the experiences of Neha Dixit and other local journalists who feel undervalued and exploited by foreign media. The piece critiques the term 'fixer' as discriminatory and calls for more equitable recognition and credit for local journalists. It also examines the broader implications of these power imbalances in journalism, urging for systemic changes to acknowledge the crucial role of local reporters.

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International Women’s Media Foundation Northwestern University Global Reporting Centre Rory Peck Trust The New York Times

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Carmela Caruso is a freelance reporter based in Asheville, North Carolina, United States of America with experience covering human rights, press freedom, and local news. She is a regular contributor for Voice of America and the Mountain Xpress.

Fears Grow for Ukrainian Journalist Missing Almost 3 Months

26 Oct 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Human Rights

Victoria Roshchyna, an award-winning Ukrainian journalist known for her reporting on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, has been missing for nearly three months. She has previously been detained and threatened by Russian forces. Despite the risks, she continued to report from the front lines. The International Women's Media Foundation awarded her a Courage Award in 2022. Colleagues and organizations are advocating for her release, but her current status remains unknown. The situation reflects the broader dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones, particularly under Russian occupation.

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International Women's Media Foundation Hromadske Ukrainska Pravda Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Committee to Protect Journalists Russian Embassy Ukrainian National Information Bureau Reporters Without Borders

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Websder Corneille is a journalist and communication strategist based in Indianapolis. He's the former communication director of the digital Francophone platform RaccourSci, which aims to promote public science. Websder’s report on child trafficking in Haiti won the France 2020 Philippe Chaffanjon ...

In Haiti, Theater Is a Living Art

15 Feb 2023  |  Woy Magazine  |  English  |  Insecurity in Haiti

The 19th annual Quatre Chemins theater festival in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, showcases the resilience of Haitian theater amid a climate of insecurity and political instability. Despite the threats posed by criminal gangs and the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, the festival highlights the role of theater as a form of political resistance and cultural expression. Award-winning playwright Gaëlle Bien-Aimé's new play, 'Port-au-Prince et sa Douce Nuit,' addresses the challenges of living in a collapsing city while exploring themes of love and self-awareness. The article underscores the importance of art in maintaining cultural identity and resisting oppression, even as the Haitian government struggles to address widespread violence and economic instability.

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Round Earth Media International Women’s Media Foundation National Network for the Defense of Human Rights State University of Haiti United Nations Christian Science Monitor

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****
Photographer and videographer living in New York City. 
Worked with The Washington Post, The New York Times, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, BBC, Bloomberg News, Financial Times, Roads & Kingdoms, Conde Nast Traveler, GOOD, NewsDeeply, AJ+, National Geographic, etc. 
Instagram @diastopia

The Female Wrestlers of Haryana Breaking Traditions

05 Apr 2023  |  deeply.thenewhumanitarian.org  |  English  |  Cultural Prejudices in India

In Haryana, India, a state with a strong wrestling tradition, women are breaking cultural barriers to participate in wrestling, a sport historically reserved for men. Neetu, a 22-year-old former child bride and mother, is a prominent figure at the Chotu Ram Stadium wrestling academy, overcoming societal prejudices and personal challenges to pursue her dream of competing in the Olympics. Despite financial and cultural obstacles, female wrestlers like Neetu and Dinesh Sangwan are determined to succeed in the sport. The Phogat Sisters and Sakshi Malik, both from Haryana, have gained national recognition and inspired other women. However, female wrestlers often face the prospect of marriage, which could interrupt their careers. Ritu Malik, another wrestler, is fortunate to have a supportive husband. The article highlights the need for societal mindset changes regarding gender roles in sports.

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International Women's Media Foundation

Jewel Fraser is a freelance journalist who writes for Inter Press Service on climate change issues; she formerly wrote for the International New York Times on architecture and real estate; and for the Miami Herald on current affairs. She is also a freelance copyeditor and copywriter.

She holds ...

Inequitable Distribution of COVID Vaccines Tied to Power and Money

29 Jun 2023  |  www.ipsnews.net  |  English  |  COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

The inequitable distribution of COVID vaccines, which has been a significant issue during the pandemic, is rooted in long-standing disparities within the global pharmaceutical supply chain. These disparities have previously manifested during health crises such as HIV and Ebola and are expected to continue affecting access to vital medicines in the future. The report by IPS Correspondent and IWMF Fellow Jewel Fraser emphasizes that the inequity is an ongoing issue, not just a consequence of the pandemic.

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International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF)

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Experienced journalist able to do lives and reporting for print, radio and tv. I have reported for media outlets from more than fifteen countries, including for ARTE/ZDF, BBC News, The Guardian, Süddeutsche Zeitung, The Sunday Times, NRC Handelsblad, Deutsche Welle en De Groene Amsterdammer.

Seaweed Fever: Large Plantations Could Disrupt the North Sea Ecosystem

28 Oct 2022  |  NRC  |  Dutch  |  Marine Ecosystems

Large-scale seaweed farming in the North Sea is being explored for its commercial viability and potential environmental benefits, such as improving water quality and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, there are significant concerns about its ecological impact, including risks to marine biodiversity, potential for disease spread, and the introduction of invasive species. Various stakeholders, including North Sea Farmers, the Dutch government, and European institutions, are involved in research and pilot projects to understand these impacts better. The article highlights the need for careful management and further research to mitigate potential risks.

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International Women’s Media Foundation North Sea Farmers Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality European Commission Wageningen University NIOZ SAMS Seas at Risk Free Press Unlimited

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TQ Lula Jaurey is a journalist based in Monrovia, Liberia.

With over five years of experience in the journalism field, I am a multipurpose professional with passion for taking new challenges.

Throughout my career, I have taken on a variety of roles, including an intern, reporter and now a ...

The Tale of a lone female who contested against 12 male candidates

12 Jan 2024  |  voiceofliberiaradio.com  |  English  |  Gender Equality

Women’s representation in Liberian politics has declined since Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf's presidency. Despite no legislated gender quotas, Sirleaf's tenure saw increased female participation, but recent elections show only 15% female candidates. Marvelene M.H. Lepukoi, a young female candidate, faced significant challenges, including gender-based discrimination and traditional practices used to intimidate her. Despite her defeat, she remains determined to continue her political journey, advocating for financial support and policy changes to enhance women's political participation. The article highlights the need for international support and enforcement of gender quotas to achieve gender equality in Liberia.

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International Women’s Media Foundation National Elections Commission Liberia National Union NDI’s VAW-PM Program United Nations Mano River Union Youth Parliament

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Lucinda Jordaan is a professional freelance journalist, researcher and Copy Editor based in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa,with extensive experience on all publishing platforms and within a variety of genres and specialities.

Cracking the glass ceiling? Or falling through the cracks…

18 Jul 2017  |  The Media Online  |  English  |  Women in Leadership

Women have made significant strides in the media industry, occupying key roles in print, online, radio, and TV. Despite these advancements, gender disparities persist, particularly in ownership and decision-making positions. Reports and studies highlight that while women are increasingly visible, they are underrepresented in leadership and as news sources. Media24 exemplifies progress with a high percentage of women in leadership roles. However, broader industry statistics reveal ongoing challenges in achieving gender parity. Continuous efforts in training, mentoring, and policy implementation are essential for further transformation.

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The Media Online The Media magazine International Women’s Media Foundation Independent Media Wits Journalism Sanef SABC Gender Links

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Alastair McCready is editor for regional magazine Southeast Asia Globe, based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He is able to provide editing, photography and reporting, as well as contacts in country and across the region.

We Met an All-Women Flogging Squad in Indonesia

01 Nov 2022  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Human Rights

In Aceh, Indonesia, the Sharia police have introduced an all-women flogging squad to address rising crime among women, a move that has drawn international attention and criticism. The article explores the roles and perspectives of these women floggers, the impact of Sharia law on public life, and the controversy surrounding public floggings. Activists argue that flogging is performative and ineffective in reducing crime, disproportionately affecting women and failing to address deeper issues of sexual violence and justice. The story highlights the ongoing struggle for human rights and gender equality in Aceh.

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International Women’s Media Foundation Amnesty International Indonesia Sharia Police Kontras Aceh

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Kimberly Mutandiro is a journalist based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.

Pregnant immigrants are being turned away from Johannesburg clinics

10 May 2023  |  www.sapeople.com  |  English  |  Legal Issues

Immigrant pregnant women in Johannesburg, particularly from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are being denied prenatal care at clinics despite a Gauteng High Court ruling mandating free access to public health services regardless of nationality. Affected women, such as Priscilla Tumira, have faced xenophobic remarks and have been forced to resort to fake documents or home births. The Gauteng Department of Health has been ordered to amend its policy by October 2023, but compliance remains uncertain. SECTION27 and the International Women’s Media Foundation have highlighted these issues, while the Department of Health has not acknowledged receiving formal complaints.

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International Women's Media Foundation Jeppe Clinic Hillbrow Clinic Gauteng High Court SECTION27 Gauteng Department of Health Doctors Without Borders Steve Biko Academic Hospital Tshwane Hospital

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Freelance journalist- Charles Pensulo lives in Blantyre, Malawi, focusing on issues related to climate change, food security, human rights, global development and governance. His work has been published by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the Guardian Global Development Professional Network, and the ...

People Driving Vaccines in Communities

15 Aug 2023  |  mwnation.com  |  English  |  Community Health

In Ntchisi, Malawi, community health workers like Joshua Mwenda are pivotal in driving COVID-19 vaccination efforts. The district has been highlighted for its success in the vaccination campaign, which began in 2021. Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) play a crucial role in delivering vaccines and primary health services to remote areas. The Ministry of Health has integrated COVID-19 vaccination with other health services to make it more accessible. Innovative approaches, such as mobile vans and community engagement, have significantly increased vaccination rates. Despite initial hesitancy, community perceptions towards the vaccine have improved, leading to higher vaccination numbers.

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International Women’s Media Foundation Ministry of Health Blantyre District Council

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marcia reverdosa is a journalist based in São Paulo, Brazil.

Brazil once wiped away preventable diseases. They’re coming back

27 May 2022  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  COVID-19 Pandemic

Brazil, once a leader in eradicating preventable diseases through a robust vaccination program, is now witnessing a resurgence of illnesses like measles. The decline in vaccination rates is attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-vax sentiments fueled by President Jair Bolsonaro's disinformation, and reduced government funding. Health experts warn that reversing this trend could take decades, with potential outbreaks of more severe diseases like polio. Local health authorities struggle with insufficient resources, particularly in regions like Amapa, exacerbating the public health crisis.

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International Women’s Media Foundation World Health Organization UNICEF Brazilian Health Ministry Pan American Health Organization

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Louisa Reynolds is a freelance journalist and translator based in Guatemala. Although Guatemala is the main focus of her work, she has done reporting trips to Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Honduras, Panama and Belize.
She has done live interviews for CNN, Radio France International, Monocle News Daily,...

Alice Rowsome is a BAFTA-nominated filmmaker and journalist. 

Her work has been commissioned by National Geographic, The Guardian, Broadly, VICE Impact, The Independent, Refugees Deeply and other publications. Focusing on forced migration, climate change and women's rights, she has reported from ...

The Kim Wall Memorial Fund Wants to Give a Voice to Future Journalists Like Her

11 Oct 2017  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Gender Equality

The Kim Wall Memorial Fund aims to support young female journalists by providing resources to report on underrepresented subcultures, continuing the legacy of Kim Wall, whose impactful journalism covered diverse global issues. The fund, established by Wall's family and friends, seeks to counter the sensationalist media narrative surrounding her death and promote the kind of in-depth, compassionate reporting Wall was known for. The International Women's Media Foundation will administer the fund, ensuring ongoing support and mentorship for grantees.

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The International Women's Media Foundation Marshallese government VICE

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Tara Todras-Whitehill is an award-winning visual storyteller with photos on more than 20 front pages of The New York Times. After accumulating over a decade of experience as a working photojournalist and as a founder of two creative agencies, she now also works with organizations to maximize their ...

Two Years Ago, the Trump Administration Limited Abortion Access Worldwide. These Powerful Images Reveal the Impact.

01 Feb 2019  |  Mother Jones  |  English  |  Women's Health

The Trump administration's revival and expansion of the Mexico City Policy, also known as the global gag rule, has significantly impacted abortion access and women's health services worldwide, particularly in South Africa. Despite abortion being legal in South Africa, cultural and political barriers, compounded by the US policy, have made it difficult for women to access safe and legal abortions. NGOs like Soul City Institute for Social Justice and Health Enabled have faced funding challenges and operational dilemmas due to the policy. The article highlights the struggles of women like M, who are forced to seek unsafe illegal abortions or carry unwanted pregnancies to term due to these barriers.

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International Women’s Media Foundation Trump Administration South African Government Soul City Institute for Social Justice Health Enabled

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I'm an award-winning journalist working as an independent reporter and multimedia producer in southern Africa. I am currently based in Cape Town.

I have worked as a correspondent for global news agency AFP and Johannesburg's leading daily paper The Star, filing dispatches from the Central ...

Kigali’s trade-off: Sell and be arrested or starve

06 Mar 2019  |  mg.co.za  |  English  |  Economic Hardship

Rwanda's capital, Kigali, presents a clean and organized image, but its strict enforcement of laws against informal trading has led to severe consequences for street vendors. Theodosie Uwamohoro, a street vendor, died following a violent altercation with security guards. In response, the city built formal markets, but many vendors continue to sell on the streets due to the high costs and low profits in the markets. The city's crackdown on informal trading is part of a broader vision for a safe, clean, and green city, but it has been criticized for contributing to economic hardship and human rights issues. Finance Minister Tito Mboweni and Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba have praised Kigali's cleanliness, with Mashaba seeking to replicate its model in Johannesburg.

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International Women’s Media Foundation City of Kigali Gikondo Transit Centre

Cady Voge is a journalist based in Berkeley, United States.

Contradictions and conundrums from the front line of the US-Mexico border crisis

31 Jul 2019  |  The New Humanitarian  |  English  |  US-Mexico Border Policy

The article discusses the plight of Teresa and Maria, a lesbian couple from El Salvador seeking asylum in the United States to escape gang violence and discrimination. El Salvador has the highest rates of femicide and homicide in Latin America and the world, respectively. The couple faces a controversial 'metering' system implemented by the Trump administration, which forces asylum seekers to wait for weeks or months in Mexico before being granted a preliminary interview. The 'Remain in Mexico' policy, effective from 25 January, exacerbates the situation by sending asylum seekers back to Mexico until their immigration court date. Over 15,000 people have been returned to Mexican cities, including Ciudad Juárez, a city notorious for violence, especially against migrants, women, and LGBTI individuals. The article highlights the dangers faced by Teresa and Maria in Juárez, where they feel unsafe and unwelcome. The report by Cady Voge and Julia Zulver aims to shed light on the violence faced by LGBTI asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border.

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International Women's Media Foundation

Francesca Volpi, born in 1985 Brescia - Italy, is an independent photographer who through personal stories documents the humanitarian consequences of conflicts, exploring how the contexts of war, socio-economic disparities and climate change affect people's lives.

Bloomberg stringer. 

She ...

The poorest women in Honduras are the most affected by anti-abortion laws

12 Jul 2022  |  elDiario.es  |  Spanish  |  Poverty

In Honduras, where over 66% of the population lives in poverty, the country's stringent anti-abortion laws disproportionately affect the poorest women. Abortion is illegal under all circumstances, leading many women to seek dangerous, illegal methods. The article highlights personal stories of women who have suffered due to these laws, emphasizing the severe health risks and social consequences. Human Rights Watch reports that maternal deaths could be significantly reduced with better access to contraceptives and medical services. The article also draws parallels to potential future scenarios in the United States if similar restrictive laws are enacted.

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International Women's Media Foundation Human Rights Watch

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