Zambian actors across media, government, and civil society need to ensure that an enabling environment exists to both protect and promote independent and diverse voices. This is foundational to a healthy democratic state that upholds participation, transparency, and accountability. Community radio and digital media outlets are popular with a large portion of the Zambian population. These information sources could be a positive and effective tool for improving dialogue and supporting freedom of information and expression in Zambia.
Open Spaces is strengthening the democratic foundations of freedom of speech and digital rights; facilitating independent and new media; and safeguarding a space for independent media, civil society, free speech advocates, and diverse voices in Zambia.
GOALS
GOAL ONE
Strengthen and promote viable and independent media.
GOAL TWO
Promote and protect human rights, digital literacy, and digital safety.
GOAL THREE
Strengthen the enabling environment for independent and new media
KEY RESULTS FOR 2023
● Supported drafting, stakeholder consultation, and the enactment processes for the Access to Information Bill, which was made into law in December 2023.
● Improved revenue streams for six radio stations with new advertisers on board and increased radio stations’ understanding of the markets in which they operate.
● Trained 121 journalists to improve their interviewing, research, and story production skills.
● Donated equipment worth more than $1 million to 19 radio stations, with Chongwe Radio receiving solar systems, transmitters, recorders, computers, and microphones, after which it reported a 31 percent reduction in electricity bills enabling it to redirect funds to journalism work.
● Increased coverage of local issues through production of 44 public interest stories made possible by stipends provided to 17 journalists. Stories have had a positive impact on communities.
● Launched Zambia’s first online portal to collect cases of online gender-based violence from women, girls, and other individuals targeted because of their gender. Since its launch, 62 cases have been reported.
