Latest update: 14/06/2010 

- Africa - communication - Internet - Kenya - technology


Internet Pioneers Lead the Way

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A blog created in 2008 in Kenya has become a worldwide sensation: Ushahidi - 'testimony' in Swahili- is a free software that collates information sent in by the public. Any one can text or email about a crisis, catastrophe or during an election. Information is gathered on maps that are accessible online. It made the headlines recently, during the Haiti earthquake, which saw some victims rescued thanks to texts and reports published in real time.

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By Stéphanie Braquehais
Jewish exhibition in Berlin raises eyebrows
26/04/2013 - GERMANY

Jewish exhibition in Berlin raises eyebrows

A new exhibition at the Berlin Jewish Museum appears almost purpose-built to cause controversy. The Jewish Museum in Berlin calls it "Everything you always wanted to know about the Jews". The exhibition addresses questions written by visitors in the museum's guest book. Its content and location are already causing a stir.
Closing the pay gap between men and women
25/04/2013 - FRANCE

Closing the pay gap between men and women

The French government says it's getting tough on employers who flout equal pay laws. Recently two companies were fined for violating equality legislation. According to the European Commission, the problem isn't restricted to France. Brussels says that, on average, men are paid 16 per cent more than women across the European Union.
Hollande the salesman visits new Chinese president
25/04/2013 - CHINA

Hollande the salesman visits new Chinese president

French President Francois Hollande has become the first foreign head of state to be received by new Chinese leader Xi Jinping. While his predecessor irked China over issues such as Tibet, Hollande is seeking to forget the past and start relations afresh - not least to boost the French economy. His hopes of launching new trade ties are helped by the fact that Shanghai is home to the largest community of French expatriates in China... and that the Chinese love all things French.
TV fans defend Afghan soap opera against conservative critics
24/04/2013 - AFGHANISTAN

TV fans defend Afghan soap opera against conservative critics

Afghanistan's TV industry is thriving. Since the Taliban were ousted in 2001, more than 40 channels have been created. Shows are usually imported from India, Turkey and even South Korea. But one of them is different: "University FM" is an Afghan-made soap opera that's breaking taboos by running storylines on arranged marriages and Islamism. The show has done well in the ratings, but it's provoked anger, particularly in a country where actresses are still considered by many to be prostitutes.
France legalises same-sex marriage in face of protests
23/04/2013 - FRANCE

France legalises same-sex marriage in face of protests

It's an issue that has divided French society for months, but this Tuesday, the National Assembly finally approved a bill making France the 14th country in the world to allow same-sex marriage. The bill also grants gay and lesbian couples the right to adopt children. But the past months have been marred by widespread demonstrations, for and against, and even a spate of violent homophobic attacks. We look back at the debate and division leading up to Tuesday's historic vote.

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map kibera and ushahidi

by Anonyme - 15/06/2010 - 15:38

Thanks much for the coverage. Just want to clarify, Map Kibera and Voice of Kibera operate separately from Ushahidi. Erica Hagen is affiliated with Map Kibera. So am I ... though I'm wearing an Ushahidi t-shirt right now.

-Mikel Maron

nice piece, unfortunately not factual

by Anonyme - 15/06/2010 - 14:37

Your piece is about two different initiatives: Map Kibera (http://mapkibera.org) and Ushahidi (http://www.ushahidi.com). Its a pity that you conflate them.

Thanks for covering Ushahidi

by Anonyme - 15/06/2010 - 13:29

Thanks for covering Ushahidi and Voice of Kibera! But, please be careful with the facts. You have some factual errors. For one, Erica Hagen is not with Ushahidi. She's the co-lead on the Map Kibera (www.mapkibera.org) project and leading the Voice of Kibera initiative, which is just one part of Map Kibera. When you show the youth mapping, you indicate them as Voice of Kibera, but it should say Map Kibera. Of that group, only a subset is working on both projects. The Voice of Kibera site uses the Kibera map created by the mappers and is run on the Ushahidi platform and is intended to be a place where anyone from Kibera or with information relevant to Kibera can send information via SMS or web. Overall, Map Kibera should I received the proper credit and identification of their work, which also uses new technologies and the Internet!

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