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Women in Sierra Leone Need Your Help to Keep Their Home

Imagine returning home from your husband's funeral, only to find your key no longer fits in the door. This alarming occurrence happens frequently in Sierra Leone, where customs dictate a family's property is inherited by the husband's brothers, sisters and parents, not his widow and children.

This practice is illegal, but few women in Sierra Leone know about the laws that are intended to protect them. Now, through the help of an article written by a jhr-trained Sierra Leonean journalist highlighting the issue (click here to read it), women are standing up and defending their rights.

Today, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of women in Sierra Leone who urgently need your support.

Your donation will increase the spread information on property rights – a vital step in empowering these women with the knowledge to reclaim property that rightfully belongs to them.

Your donation will also make possible:
  • Daily on-the-job training: Experienced jhr journalists work side-by-side local African media practitioners to increase human rights coverage
  • Awards: Creating incentives that reward best practices in human rights reporting
  • Fellowships: Local African journalists are given a stipend and ongoing mentorship to take a closer look into human rights issues
  • Create national dialogue: jhr brings together local media, journalism schools, communities and policy-makers sparking a national dialogue on human rights issues
To learn about the benefits of becoming a monthly donor click here.

People like you are helping to build the foundations which make the world a better place – thank you!

CLICK HERE to donate today!
 
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
The jhr newsletter comes complete with stories from the field, upcoming event information, facinating stories, facts and updates!.
FEATURED JOURNALIST
Winston Daryoue
Works for:
Liberia Women Democracy Radio (LWDR), Liberia
Country: Liberia
Age: 22
jhr Media Trainer: Tamasin Ford

Last July, Winston Daryoue gained rare access to the Firestone rubber plantation to produce a 30-minute radio documentary about the life of a rubber tapper at the company. The plantation has been accused of gross labour violations and environmental abuse in Liberia. The documentary was picked up by national media. Daryoue says he wants to dedicate his career to reporting on human rights abuses, with a focus on gender rights. "For too long, Liberia has had a history where women have been left behind," he says, "so there's a need for an institution that will give greater priority to women's issues."
FEATURED jhr CHAPTER
jhr Denison High School
City: Newmarket, Ontario
Started: September 2008
President: Evan Hoyle
Vice President: Gemerdine Maravilla
Recent Event(s): Speak Silence

On November 26 jhr Denison High School participated in Speak Silence, taking a vow of silence from 7am to 4:30pm to raise awareness about those in the world who do not have a voice. The event was a huge success, raising over $650! For more information about the jhr high school program email highschools@jhr.ca.
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
jhr travels to Africa with Editor of the Toronto Star

jhrs International Programs Director Rachel Pulfer recently spent three weeks traveling though Ghana and the Democratic Republic of the Congo with the Editor of the Toronto Star, Michael Cooke. Cooke conducted three workshops in Ghana and four workshops in the DRC on topics such as freedom of the press, investigative journalism and good governance. His workshops were attended by three hundred journalists, journalism students, editors and publishers.

Click here to read Rachel's article.

jhr to send 40 more young Canadians to Africa

In collaboration with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), jhr will be sending 40 interns to work with and learn from jhr’s media partners in Malawi and Ghana over the next two years. The internship program serves as a way to give Canadian youth work experience in developing countries. The first group of interns depart in early July, with placements in Star Radio, the Daily Times and Capital Radio in Malawi and Critical TV and the Daily Guide in Ghana.

Social Media is transforming jhr! Get involved!

Social media is completely transforming the media landscape and jhr believes that it can be actively used to spread human rights awareness and incite change. We need you to consume, share, and encourage the production of rights media by blogging, tweeting, or sharing on Facebook, stories which have the real potential to change lives. Where and how do you start?

Click here to find out.