Stories about Asia
Women march for Palestine and against patriarchy in Pakistan
Women in Pakistan's major cities, such as Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Multan, rallied on International Women’s Day, demanding gender equality, justice, and safety, challenging patriarchal norms for the seventh consecutive year.
Independent media wage losing battle against censorship in Azerbaijan
Since 2017, independent and opposition online news outlets have faced censorship via blocking on spurious grounds.
A decade of digital repression and resistance in Southeast Asia
Global Voices Southeast Asia editor Mong Palatino highlights the major trends, challenges, and prospects of upholding freedom of expression in the region
In Georgia, a new political alliance looks to the future
The new political alliance was announced at a turbulent time. Since the previous parliamentary election in 2020, Georgian domestic politics have been engulfed in a political crisis.
Poetry as therapy: Hong Kong’s domestic workers muse about love and sacrifice
"Ingat", meaning “take care” in Tagalog, is a book featuring the work of dozens of domestic workers telling stories about family, hardship, love and sacrifice.
Undertones: Myanmar’s E-ID system means progress or surveillance?
Since the coup on 1st February 2021, citizenship ID card inspections by Myanmar's military regime authorities have become commonplace on roads, at checkpoints, and during nighttime house inspections.
A quest for fairness by fishermen in the western Sri Lankan city of Negombo
"Their protest ... resonating within the halls of the Archdiocese of Colombo, speaks to a deeper narrative of conflict, resource management and the pursuit of fairness within the church community."
Remembering the victims of nuclear weapons testing in the Marshall Islands
"Why was the most beautiful corner of the world, with the most beautiful and peaceful people, chosen for these horrific acts without our informed consent?"
Bangkok’s elderly homeless populations are still affected by the pandemic
“I believe that if we have the proper pension scheme, it will not only help us to avoid the problem of homelessness.”
The struggles of the Pattharkattas, Nepal’s invisible workforce
Today, an estimated 3,343 Pattharkattas living in Nepal struggling with dead-end jobs with no opportunity for growth or sustaining their livelihood. Their traditional identity and occupation are at stake.
Speculations gone wild as China canceled the premier’s annual press conference
Last year , the State Council amended its “working rules,” stressing that major policy decisions, matters and situations should report to the Central Committee of the CPC for approval.
Kazakhstan’s oil fund is one of the most opaque in the world
It was supposed to become a full-fledged fund for future generations and serve as a macroeconomic stabilizer.
Malaysian artists decry ‘Mentega Terbang’ film ban and blasphemy charge as ‘archaic form of content control’
"As a community that champions creative and artistic freedom, we must stand united in condemning any attempts to place undue restrictions on filmmakers or any artists."
In Azerbaijan another case of bullying brings old problems to the fore
The most recent case of bullying speaks volumes about the challenges that lie ahead for Azerbaijani society, and how much work is yet to be done.
Little Suad received a letter from her father detained in Azerbaijan
Hasanli was sentenced on November 21, 2023, to four months’ pre-trial detention on a charge of “smuggling foreign currency.” If convicted he is facing a possible eight-year prison sentence.
Pakistan's post-election scramble: Coalitions and concerns
Following the swearing-in of the Pakistan National Assembly's elected representatives, political parties are actively forming alliances as they prepare to decide on the Prime Ministerial post soon.
Greenpeace opens office in Sri Lanka amid ongoing climate crisis
Global Voices' partner Groundviews spoke to Executive Director of Greenpeace South Asia, Binu Jacob, about the climate challenges facing the region and the role of Greenpeace in combatting climate injustice.
Uzbekistan's recent anti-religious measures present a worrisome trend for its Muslims
This is not the first time Muslims in Uzbekistan, who make up 94 percent of the population, face persecution due to their beliefs.
‘Am Abgrund’: The story of Azerbaijan's influence in Europe
The movie, which exposes corruption both within Azerbaijan and in numerous European countries, comes at a time of deteriorating ties between Azerbaijan and the West.
Hong Kong: Annual prophesy says ‘all efforts will be in vain’ this year of the Dragon
Some prophecy interpreters refrained from presenting their readings to the public out of fear that negative comments on Hong Kong may cause trouble.
Why journalists are worried about the five new offences proposed in Hong Kong’s domestic national security law
Foreign public broadcasters and media organizations that receive direct or indirect governmental funding, their employees and other collaborating third parties, may be classified as "external forces."