Dear Friend, 

Thanks to your support this year, Cultural Survival's Indigenous Community Media Fund has awarded a total of $502,000 to 63 Indigenous communication projects that will benefit Indigenous Peoples in 29 countries. Indigenous community media serves as a platform to amplify the struggles and voices of Indigenous Peoples on local, national, and international stages. These media outlets support resistance, empowerment, and the cultural vitality of Indigenous communities by creating meaningful content that reflects their unique interests, languages, and perspectives.

Your support makes this vital work possible. A recent initiative by Orkonerei FM Radio has created a platform for Maasai women in Tanzania to fight for their rights, challenge gender inequality, and take control of their economic futures. The project, supported by Cultural Survival's Indigenous Community Media Fund, focused on training women in leadership, human rights, and legal procedures while using radio programs to spread awareness. For years, Maasai women have faced exclusion from decision-making, limited access to land, and high rates of gender-based violence. This project aimed to change this by creating safe spaces for women to speak up and learn about their rights.
 

Through Women’s Rights Leadership Forums held in three villages—Terrati, Kiruru, and Loswaki—women gathered to discuss their challenges and plan ways to demand equality. Over 100 women participated directly, with hundreds more benefiting indirectly.

Training sessions covered human rights, gender equality, and how to report cases of violence. Radio documentaries were produced to further amplify these messages, reaching even more people. Orkonerei FM staff also received training to support women’s rights discussions on air more effectively.

A highlight was the Olturur Loo Ndomonok gathering, where Maasai women from across Simanjiro district came together to share experiences and strategies. The event strengthened solidarity and encouraged collaboration between women and traditional leaders.

The project’s success has paved the way for future efforts, including sustaining the women’s forums and continuing radio programs on gender equality. With stronger voices and growing support, Maasai women are stepping into leadership roles, empowered to stand up for their rights. Your support fuels our work in advancing the rights and lifeways of Indigenous Peoples around the globe. We couldn't do it without you. 

 

Cultural Survival advocates for Indigenous Peoples' rights and supports Indigenous communities’ self-determination, cultures and political resilience since 1972. We envision a future that respects and honors Indigenous Peoples' inherent rights and dynamic cultures, deeply and richly interwoven in lands, languages, spiritual traditions, and artistic expression, rooted in self-determination and self-governance.