![IWPR Ukraine Conference held in Kiev, October 6-7, 2017. IWPR Ukraine Conference held in Kiev, October 6-7, 2017.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_glossy+ret_img/https://iwpr.net/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/images/focus/Borderland-to-the-Steppes-01_1.jpg?h=dc7003cc)
Focus
Giving Voice, Driving Change - from the Borderland to the Steppes
Years active: 2017-2021
The Giving Voice, Driving Change - from the Borderland to the Steppes project supports democratisation and governance, human rights and independent media across 10 countries in the Caucasus, Central Asia, Moldova and Ukraine.
More specifically, the project is delivering three main pillars of work:
1. CAPACITY. The key focus of the project is strengthening the capacity of local reporters, as well as citizen journalists and civil society groups. This includes training, mentoring, and effective institutional advisory support on management and sustainability for selected local media organisations.
2. VOICE. The second pillar supports a wide range of multi-format content production in local languages, Russian and English, from diverse voices of independent reporters, as well as citizen journalists, civic activists and bloggers. This includes independent digital, print and broadcast media, social media, regional websites (including CABAR.asia), investigative reporting and documentary production. Themes of focus are democracy and governance, human rights and rule of law, including freedom of the media. A strong emphasis is made on tackling corruption, and amplifying groundbreaking content across the region, including across language barriers.
3. ENGAGEMENT. The third pillar engages civil society, media, public officials and the public directly in the issues raised through the project’s media outputs. This takes the form of public fora and private meetings, social media, outreach and advocacy campaigns, and through IWPR’s own structured networks.
Established in collaboration with and funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the project directly supports Norwegian priorities and values, builds on long-standing Norwegian supported programming in the region, and expands on IWPR’s extensive local and regional networks of independent media and civic groups.
Latest from the project
Armenia: "Bring Our Sons Home"
Families of detainees demand answers about the fate of loved ones.
Belarus: Struggle for Change Continues
Exiled opposition leaders call for international support in their fight for democracy.
Populist Wins Kyrgyzstan's Presidential Election
Critics fear this may cost Kyrgyzstan and its people dearly.
Business As Usual for Kazak Elections
Upheaval in Kyrgyzstan and Belarus not expected to affect the outcome of January 10 polls.
Azerbaijan: Unease over Russian Forces in Karabakh
Resentment of their presence is deeply connected with historical memories of occupation.
Tbilisi Accused of Manipulating Border Dispute
Mapmakers face long sentences if convicted of handing territory to Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan: War Leaves Many Homeless
Families whose houses were destroyed in the conflict face a cold winter and uncertain future.
How Turkmenistan's Media Works (or Doesn't)
The sector exists simply to idolise the president and serve the ruling class.
Established in collaboration with and funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the project directly supports Norwegian priorities and values, builds on long-standing Norwegian supported programming in the region, and expands on IWPR’s extensive local and regional networks of independent media and civic groups.