Civil society

Narmin Shahmarzadeh, a psychologist and activist, at a women's rights rally in Azerbaijan. © N. Shahmarzade

Fighting for Women’s Rights in Azerbaijan

Equality legislation is not matched by social attitudes – or state support.

19 May 21

Protestors gather in Kutaisi for another rally against the Namakhvani hydropower plant. © Sandro Beraia

Georgia: Protests Against New Power Plant Continue

Tbilisi hopes that 800 million US dollar investment will boost energy security and provide jobs, but activists say the risks are enormous.

18 Mar 21

Household chores and childcare are still very much considered to be women’s duties in Kazakstan and many have found it impossible to balance work and childcare responsibilities during the pandemic. © Uriel Sinai/Getty Images

Kazakstan: The Invisible Burden of Lockdown

From household tasks to labour rights, the pandemic has aggravated endemic gender inequality.

8 Mar 21

Tunisian journalists of Assabah daily hold signs calling for freedom of the press during a protest in Tunis on September 11, 2012. © Khalil/AFP/Getty Images

Tunisia’s Media Awakening

Freedom of expression continues to prove key to defending other civil liberties.

9 Feb 21

Parts of the building housing the parliament and president's office were set alight during the night. © IWPR

Bishkek: The Day After a Historic Night

Volunteers rally to clean up city, ensure security and prevent looting.

6 Oct 20

Karim Suleymanli, who was beaten and detained by the police. (Photo courtesy of K. Suleymanli)

Azerbaijan: Anger Over Police Heavy-Handedness

Public outcry after footage emerges of officers beating man for violating lockdown.

22 Jun 20

Ani Samsonyan from the opposition party Bright Armenia. (Photo courtesy of A. Samsonyan)

Hate Speech: Armenian Leaders Set Bad Example

Civil society groups call for the political echelons to rein in their rhetoric.

22 Jun 20

Official representatives meet civil society in Gagauzia to discuss domestic violence. (Photo: Moldova government website)

Gagauzia: Nowhere to Run

Entire territory currently only has safe accommodation for a maximum of four women.

9 Jun 20

Nino Tvauri at the clinic where she works in Nikozi. (Photo: IWPR)

Georgia: Good Neighbours Along the Conflict Line

How women mobilised to care for the most vulnerable members of their already-stressed communities.

29 May 20

Lilit Makunts, head of the ruling My Step faction during the session of the National Assembly on March 31, 2020. (Photo: Parliament of Armenia)

Armenia: Can Mass Surveillance Halt Covid-19?

Civil society fears that new laws lack oversight and violate the confidentiality of personal data.

16 Apr 20

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