Free Press Initiative

This morning, as part of a field learning exchange visit under the SheRise Project supported by The Carter Center, Zambia Free Press Initiative is engaging with WERDS in Kasama to promote knowledge sharing on climate action and women empowerment.

The women participants visited projects being implemented by the Zambia Forestry Department, where they are learning about climate mitigation initiatives such as beekeeping and ornamental tree planting as sustainable ways of protecting the environment while improving livelihoods.

The learning visit is being led by District Forestry Officer Brenda Chirwa, who is guiding participants through practical approaches to community driven environmental conservation and resilience building.

Women Leading Climate Action in Kasama

Today, the Zambia Free Press Initiative (FPI), with support from The Carter Center, held a community engagement in Kasama District, Northern Province, bringing together 50 women environmental defenders and female journalists.

The discussions focused on positioning women as leaders in climate action, not as victims, but as drivers of resilience, innovation and sustainable solutions.

Ward Development Committee (WDC) members pledged support to the women and highlighted how the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) can be accessed through loans and funding for climate-smart initiatives. Participants were also encouraged to form cooperatives to strengthen their projects and improve access to resources.

Female journalists committed to amplifying climate stories through impactful reporting to educate and inform communities across Zambia.

Strong WDCs that include women’s groups are essential for inclusive development and effective climate action.

Special thanks to the Kasama WDC and all the courageous women environmental defenders taking the lead in building resilient communities.

Sadly in Uganda, the Protection of Sovereignty Act is now law after Museveni signed this bad law, which threatens freedom of expression and independent journalism in Uganda.

The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply disappointed that Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni (seen at his May 12 swearing in) signed into law on May 17 the Protection of Sovereignty Act, dealing a devastating blow to freedom of expression in the country.

The law requires registration of “agents of foreigners,” defined so broadly as to potentially include journalists working with international outlets or receiving foreign funding. These “agents of foreigners” are prohibited from participating in a broad range of activities that the state deems “disruptive.”

The law is fundamentally flawed, will pose a grave threat to the practice of independent journalism, and should be repealed.

Read more: https://cpj.org/?p=583466