Less than two decades ago, Colombia had a total ban on abortion without exceptions. Today, the country has some of the most progressive abortion laws in the world. The nation’s Constitutional Court ruled last year that women could seek the procedure in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy—with exceptions in certain cases after that. The hard-won victory owes much to a group of dedicated activists, building on decades of brave campaigning and an extraordinary mobilization effort across the country.

The Manufactured Moral Panic Over Critical Race Theory

Authoritarians use racial grievance to gain power, and liberal discomfort enables their efforts. Kimberlé Crenshaw, law professor and executive director of the African American Policy Forum, writes on what Critical Race Theory really means—and how the attack on it undermines democracy and academic freedom.

A Drive to Deepen and Widen Ukraine’s Roots of Resilience

Much of the extraordinary action to provide vital support for the people of Ukraine is work not done by governments, but by Ukrainian civil society groups. Daniela Schwarzer, executive director of Open Society–Europe and Central Asia, shares an update on Open Society’s Ukraine Democracy Fund, an over $44 million effort to bolster civil society in Ukraine and rally allies abroad.

Remembering a Fierce Champion of Disability Rights

Open Society honors the contributions of the late Judy Heumann, who fought and won countless victories for disability rights with passion, commitment, and kindness.

Time to Revive Asia’s Tradition of Openness

As an independent journalist in Malaysia, Premesh Chandran saw firsthand how freedom of expression can lead to meaningful change. He brings that experience to his role as the executive director of Open Society–Asia Pacific.