The Pollination Project grant has enabled me to network with fellow grantees. When I traveled to Chicago for the Mandela Fellowship, I met a TPP grantee and we connected so much. It not only provides you with funds but also links you to the entire network. Once you receive the grant they add you to the Facebook group where you meet with other grantees across the world. I managed to connect with Adereine from Nigeria who recommended and introduced me to D-prize just by being a TPP grantee. I have also amazing local networks with other grantees who on several occasions supported my work.
Magdaline Chepkemoi, Digital Literacy for Rural Youth in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
Meet Stefania Prandi, an Italian journalist and photographer. Recently honored with the third prize in the "Outstanding Investigative Reporting" category at the Fetisov Journalism Award in Geneva, Stefania’s groundbreaking work titled “The Bitter Taste of Kiwis” exposes the exploitation of Indian workers in the kiwi supply chain of Italy`s Lazio region.
This achievement is just one highlight in Stefania’s career, marked by a relentless pursuit of justice. Since 2016, she’s been uncovering social injustices, particularly those affecting women.
In her early project, “Oro Rosso, The Other Side of Farmland” (2016), Stefania shed light on immigrant female workers facing exploitation and harassment in Italian agriculture. Supported by a TPP grants, her work expanded internationally, addressing similar issues in Morocco and Spain.
In “The Consequences” (2019) - also supported by a TPP grant - Stefania confronted Italy’s alarming rate of femicide, revealing the profound impact on families and communities. Through intimate portraits and stories, she brought attention to the lasting effects of gender-based violence.
Continuing her advocacy, Stefania’s 2021 report “Bitter Strawberries” exposed the exploitation of migrant women in Spanish strawberry fields. And in 2022, “The Distant Mothers” highlighted the human cost of intensive agriculture in Eastern countries.
Stefania’s tireless commitment to social justice has earned her international acclaim. Through her work, she challenges norms, amplifies marginalized voices, and inspires change worldwide. Her impact in investigative journalism resonates globally, leaving an enduring legacy of empowerment and awareness.
#investigativejournalism #genderbasedviolence #femicide #stefaniaprandi #workexploitation #ororosso #theconsequences #socialjustice #heartivism #photography #fetisovjournalismaward #womensupportingwomen
This month we reflect on the incredible projects we supported empowering women worldwide. Since 2012, The Pollination Project has been a catalyst for change, funding over 2,300 projects led by women, with nearly 1,000 projects specifically aimed at empowering women and girls.
Spanning across 77 countries, these projects form a vibrant mosaic of initiatives, each contributing to the greater goal of gender equality. Despite the diversity of backgrounds and cultures represented, there is a common thread of resilience and determination woven through the stories of these women. Whether they are mothers, daughters, activists, journalists, doctors, or teachers, they share a commitment to lifting each other up and effecting positive change in their communities and society at large.
Heartivists like Saba Khalid, an award-winning social entrepreneur, public speaker, activist and journalist from Karachi, Pakistan. She`s the creator of Raaji, an animated series by a Pakistani women`s empowerment digital platform Aurat Raaj. Saba uses animated characters and powerful storytelling to tackle a taboo topic. From honour killing to child marriages, the series educates, empowers and entertains young Pakistani adolescent girls with content that can save their lives and reduce shame surrounding gender issues. The platform came into existence in response to the rising number of honour-based-violence in South East Asia. Besides the TPP seed grant, the series has been also supported, appreciated and shared by The Do School, UNICEF and UN Women Pakistan.
#genderbasedviolence #gbv #honourkilling #childmarriage #womenempowerment #socialjustice #heartivism #womensupportingwomen
@unwomenpakistan
@unicef
@raaji_menstrual_chatbot
Monica Wang, a graduate of Yantai University in China, founded Xiaobu Vegan to promote veganism in her homeland. Having grown up in Guangxi with little early connection to animals, her perspective changed after moving to Shanghai and working at Plant Based Consulting. Her vegan journey began alongside rescuing two cats and a Japanese Akita, Meng Meng.
Xiaobu Vegan, established in 2020, uses educational videos, restaurant collaborations, and initiatives like the "Vegan Challenge" to advocate for plant-based diets. Supported by The Pollination Project, the organization aims to influence dietary habits and encourage compassion through its growing platform.
Read more on our website👇
[https://thepollinationproject.org/would-you-eat-your-best-friend]
#xbvegan #vegan #veganchina #animaladvocacy #animalrights #compassion #china #heartivism @animalchangemakers
In the heart of Nkwen Bamenda III Sub Division, Northwest region of Cameroon, the pilot project "Youth and Visual Arts Activism for Social Change" unfolded at Teken Quarter Youth Community Hall. This initiative, running from January to April 2023, targeted fifteen disadvantaged youths—including school dropouts, drug addicts, and other vulnerable groups. The project, supported by a seed grant, was launched by the Collective Arts Development Association (CADA), which provided six art facilitators. These experts delivered extensive training in various artistic skills, from sketching and drawing on canvas boards to graphic design and T-shirt printing.
Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of colors, composition, and proportions, along with practical applications in screen printing on diverse materials like jeans, nylon, and polyester. The primary goal of the project was to leverage art and social entrepreneurship as viable alternatives to drug use, abuse, crime, and poverty in the local community. Furthermore, the project included an outreach program involving sixth-grade pupils from the Government Primary School in Teken Quarter.
The success of this pilot paved the way for a flagship initiative titled "Empowering Marginalized Youths through Life Skill Education Art and Entrepreneurship Skill Development." This ongoing program offers six-month intensive training sessions to thirty disadvantaged youths, teaching them not only visual and graphic arts but also audio-visual skills and crafts essential for economic independence and social inclusion. Moreover, the program includes mental health education, counseling, rehabilitation strategies, and connects participants with mental health professionals as needed, continuing to transform lives thanks to the foundational support of The Pollination Project grant.
#art #socialchange #activism #youthempowerment #mentalhealtheducation #cameroon #heartivism #grants #thepollinationproject
