OSI's Middle East and North Africa Initiative and the Network Women’s Program held a forum, "Hidden Conflict: Palestinian Lesbian Rights and Identities," with Rauda Morcos, co-founder and general coordinator of ASWAT.
Many women in Palestinian society are living with their identities and sexual orientations secret. When women dare to identify themselves outsides the borders of prescriptive traditional gender roles and identities, they face violent exclusion, or even worse, violence against their own bodies and property. Furthermore, as Palestinian women living inside the borders of Israel or in the Occupied Territories, there is the double discrimination of belonging to an internally displaced population without equal status. The competition between different, sometimes clashing needs and identities, puts people in a position where they are expected to prioritize one struggle over the other or to choose ideological "loyalty" in a multilayered reality. ASWAT offers a unique perspective on social change in light of the conflict between identities and political struggles.
Read more
Reparatory Justice
Championing Reparations for Africans and People of African Descent
The global reparations movement to address the historical injustices of slavery and colonialism is gaining momentum. Open Society is playing a key role in supporting it through strengthening its infrastructure and sustainability.
Centering African Perspectives
Q&A: How One Publication Is Reframing Narratives on Africa
For 15 years, Africa Is a Country has challenged cliched Western coverage of Africa by providing a platform for thoughtful, homegrown writing. We speak to chief editor William Shoki on promoting new ideas and engaging new audiences.
Reporting on Africa
Changing Global News Coverage of Africa Is About Acknowledging the Continent’s Rightful Place in the World
The Global Media Index for Africa assessed and ranked how 20 of the world’s most influential news providers cover the continent. The index’s creators hope it will help ensure Africa’s full story is told globally.