Mahima A Jain is a journalist based in London, UK.

Racism and stereotypes in colonial India’s 'Instagram’

30 Sept 2018  |  BBC  |  English  |  Cultural Studies

An exhibition at London's SOAS university showcased over 300 postcards sent from India to Europe between 1900 and 1930s, offering a glimpse into life under British colonial rule. Curators Stephen Putnam Hughes and Emily Rose Stevenson aimed to encourage critical viewing of these images, which depicted racial stereotypes, urbanization, and daily life in Chennai and Bangalore. The postcards, once a popular communication method, were analyzed for their portrayal of architecture, street life, and the European-Indian relationship. The exhibition highlighted the role of postcards in reinforcing European stereotypes and contributing to the construction of fixed characteristics of Indian groups.

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SOAS University of London

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Tuba Altunkaya is a journalist based in Lyon and London with 15 years of experience in media.

Holds a PG Dip in Multimedia Journalism from the University of Westminster, London.

Alongside journalism, currently studying MA in Translation Studies at the University of Birmingham.

25-year 'A Dig Story: Çatalhöyük' exhibited in London

26 Nov 2018  |  tr.euronews.com  |  Turkish  |  Cultural Heritage

The story of Çatalhöyük, one of the oldest human settlements dating back to the 9th millennium BCE, is now being showcased in London at an exhibition titled 'A Dig Story: Çatalhöyük'. Hosted by SOAS, University of London, the exhibition highlights 25 years of archaeological excavations. The Çatalhöyük Research Project, led by British archaeologist Ian Hodder since 1993, has concluded, with a new team set to continue the work. Only 7% of the site has been excavated, revealing insights into the lives, architecture, and social structures of its Neolithic inhabitants. The site is also open to visitors, and significant finds are displayed at the Konya Archaeology Museum and Ankara Anadolu Civilizations Museum.

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Koç University SOAS, University of London UNESCO

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iolo ap dafydd is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

British students show off their Mandarin in Chinese Bridge Competition

21 Sept 2020  |  newseu.cgtn.com  |  English  |  Language Learning

The 19th Mandarin proficiency competition, part of the Chinese Bridge Competition for students, was held online due to COVID-19. Ten British university students participated, demonstrating their Mandarin skills and cultural knowledge. The event, organized by the Confucius Institute Headquarters, saw Henry Rahman win the Grand Prize, with Rebecca Landriani in second place, and Robin Wilson and Olajumoke Ogunlaiye in joint-third. China's Ambassador to the UK, Liu Xiaoming, emphasized the importance of understanding Chinese civilization. The proficiency of these students in Mandarin is expected to open future employment opportunities in various fields.

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Leeds University University of Edinburgh De Montfort University University of London School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) Confucius Institute Headquarters Heriot-Watt University Coventry University

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Adnan Bhat is a journalist based in New Delhi, India.

Kashmir’s LGBTQ Community Is Caught Between Conservative Society and Indian Ethnonationalism

28 Aug 2020  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  Transgender Community Support

The article discusses the efforts of Aijaz Bund, a professor and activist in Kashmir, who started an online fundraising campaign to support the transgender community during the COVID-19 lockdown. Bund raised funds to provide food and money to the marginalized group, which has been particularly affected by both the pandemic and the political turmoil following the revocation of Kashmir's semi-autonomous status by New Delhi in August 2019. The article highlights the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in conservative Kashmir, including societal rejection and the impact of the communication blackout imposed by the government. Bund's activism, including the formation of the Sonzal Welfare Trust and his ethnographic study, is commended for bringing attention to the issues faced by LGBTQ individuals in the region. The article also touches on the broader context of Kashmir's political situation and the Indian government's stance on LGBTQ rights.

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High Court of Jammu and Kashmir SOAS University of London University of Westminster Sonzal Welfare Trust Kashmiri Youth Movement

Dounard Bondo is a writer based in Liberia. His writing usually covers politics, policy, Law and entertainment. He also writes short stories. He has bylines in BBC, Euronews, Quartz, Trt World, TheAfrican Report, Sahelien, Native Magazine etc.

Mass Kidnapping of Schoolgirls in Northern Nigeria Raises Security Concerns

26 Feb 2023  |  sahelien.com  |  English  |  Terrorism

In northern Nigeria, 317 schoolgirls were kidnapped from the Government Girls School in Jangebe, Zamfara state. The abduction was carried out by gunmen who arrived on motorbikes and on foot. This incident is part of a series of kidnappings in the region, which have raised concerns about the safety of schools and may lead to lower school enrollment. The Nigerian government has been criticized for allegedly paying ransoms, which may incentivize further kidnappings. Dr. Olamide Samuel of SOAS University of London attributes the insecurity to the proliferation of unregistered firearms and the reliance on military responses. President Buhari has called for a reconsideration of ransom policies and emphasized the government's commitment to rescuing hostages without resorting to force that could endanger lives. The frequency of kidnappings has led to a desensitization towards the issue among the population, contrasting with the massive outcry during the 2014 Chibok kidnappings.

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SOAS University of London Government Girls School UNICEF

Journalist, reporter working for radio, TV, digital media and print magazines. 
Between France, the UK and Africa.
Writer and podcast producer.

Currently with RFI English.

Since 2006, I've worked with France24, AFP, BBC World Service, Deutsche Welle, Reuters, Think Africa Press, TV5, Le ...

UK's deal with Rwanda / Kenya at 60

12 Dec 2023  |  melissa.substack.com  |  English  |  Colonial History

The UK has signed a new migration treaty with Rwanda after the Supreme Court blocked an earlier arrangement as unlawful. The policy has faced significant criticism due to Rwanda's human rights record and the ethical implications of offshoring asylum seekers. Key figures, including immigration lawyer Sarah Gogan and Labour's Yvette Cooper, have voiced strong opposition. The article also reflects on Kenya's 60th independence anniversary, celebrating the Mau Mau rebellion's role in ending British colonial rule. The British monarchy's historical and recent interactions with Kenya are discussed, highlighting the lack of an apology for colonial atrocities.

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SOAS University of London UK Supreme Court British Government Rwanda Government Labour Party Conservative Party Oxford's Refugee Studies Centre Mau Mau War Veterans Association Buckingham Palace

Interpretive

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Left

Political View

Norma Costello is a journalist based in Dublin, Ireland.

Is Ireland’s New Left-Wing Alliance Actually Going to Change Anything?

30 Apr 2015  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Elections

Ireland's unions and grassroots activists, driven by anti-austerity sentiment, are forming a new left-wing alliance to challenge the country's conservative political landscape. The Right2Water campaign, led by trade unionist Brendan Ogle, is central to this movement, which aims to address issues like privatization, unemployment, and the housing crisis. Despite skepticism from figures like Professor Paul O’Connell, who warns of the differences between Ireland and other European countries with successful left-wing movements, the alliance seeks to empower communities and run independent candidates in the next election. Grassroots activists emphasize the importance of maintaining independence from traditional political structures.

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SOAS University of London Right2Water Labour Party

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Left

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Helen Davidson is a journalist based in Taipei, Taiwan. Previously reporting on immigration, Indigenous affairs, and the Asia Pacific for Guardian Australia, she is now a correspondent covering China and the region for the Guardian.

Taiwan braces for ‘big deal’ presidential election as China’s shadow looms

09 Oct 2023  |  ca.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  China-Taiwan Relations

In the remote village of Smangus, Taiwan, residents are preparing for the upcoming presidential election, emphasizing the importance of choosing a leader who can protect Taiwan's democracy. The election features candidates from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Kuomintang (KMT), and Taiwan People's Party (TPP), with economic issues and corruption being major voter concerns. The DPP's Lai Ching-te is favored in Smangus, while the KMT's historical influence remains strong in regions like Miaoli. The campaign is marked by debates on nuclear power and accusations of corruption, reflecting Taiwan's complex political landscape.

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University of Minnesota Soas University of London Centre of Taiwan Studies Democratic Progressive Party Kuomintang Taiwan People's Party Chinese Communist Party Taiwan Anti-Corruption and Whistleblower Protection Association New Bloom Magazine

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Journalist in Kathmandu, often with BBC Travel, der Spiegel, Stern, the Scotsman and other German and British media. 
Former senior foreign correspondent in Brussels covering EU affairs. Worked in broadcast, but still prefer print and photography. 
I usually write in English and German, but can ...

12 Million Angry Men

28 Oct 2021  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  Sharia Law

The article examines the Taliban's implementation of Sharia law in Afghanistan, highlighting the challenges and criticisms of their justice system. It discusses the return of strict and controversial practices, the lack of qualified jurists, and the fear among Afghans, especially women, regarding the Taliban's rule. The piece also touches on the economic and humanitarian crises facing the country, suggesting that the Taliban's focus on internal issues may hinder their ability to provide effective justice.

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SOAS University of London Kabul University Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice Taliban

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Far Right

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Parisa Hashempour is a journalist based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Islam doesn’t speak, they speak for Islam.

10 Oct 2023  |  swanaspeaks.substack.com  |  English  |  Iranian Politics

Dr Ziba Mir-Hosseini, a legal anthropologist specializing in Islamic law and gender, discusses her journey into anthropology, the impact of the Iranian revolution on her career, and the significance of Islamic feminism. She highlights her research on marriage and divorce under Islamic law, her involvement in women's rights activism, and the importance of challenging patriarchal interpretations of religion. The conversation also touches on her influential works, including books and award-winning documentaries, and her views on the current socio-political climate in Iran.

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SOAS, University of London Musawah Centre for Islamic and Middle Eastern Law Sisters in Islam

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Left

Political View

Andrew Lycett is an experienced journalist and author based in London, United Kingdom.

Nigel Cross obituary

06 Nov 2019  |  www.theguardian.com  |  English  |  International Development

Nigel Cross, who recently passed away at 66, was a figure who seamlessly navigated between the realms of literature and international development. Educated at Clifton College and Sussex University, he began his career as an archivist for the Royal Literary Fund and authored a book on 19th-century authors. Cross ventured into international development in the late 1970s, co-founding the Arid Lands Research Agency and later leading organizations such as SOS Sahel and the Panos Institute. Despite his professional success, Cross struggled with depression and alcoholism, which affected his personal life and health. He continued to work in the field, taking a role in South Sudan with SNV before his death. He is remembered by his second wife, Josephine Namusisi, and his daughters, Harriet and Madeline.

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Soas University of London University College London Corpus Christi College Exmoor Society Central Saint Martins

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