Social movements around Africa, often led by young people, have been calling for democracies that are rooted in equality, empower ordinary citizens, deliver political stability, and support economic well-being. We asked people to define what democracy with dignity looks like to them. For more, read our report exploring ways to (re)build African-centered democracy: https://osf.to/47jLBGv To examine how youth-led political initiatives and uprisings are reshaping democracy and confronting authoritarianism across the Global South, Open Society and Yiaga Africa are co-hosting the “South-South Social Movements Convergence” in Cape Town, South Africa October 30-November 2 that will gather movement actors, activists, artists, youth leaders, scholars, and civic tech innovators. This will be an opportunity to share lessons on reclaiming democratic futures for all. #OpenSociety #DemocracyandDignity #AfricanDemocracy #EconomicJustice #DemocracticFutures Ghfixthecountry Fighters Open Society-Africa (fb)

Congratulations to our founder George Soros on receiving the European Civil Rights Prize of the Sinti and Roma, in memory of Holocaust survivors and pioneers of the Roma civil rights movement, Oskar and Vinzenz Rose and endowed by the leading German charitable foundation, Manfred Lautenschläger Foundation. The award recognizes Mr. Soros’s decades-long commitment to advancing the rights, dignity, and empowerment of Roma communities across Europe. Alex Soros, George Soros’s son and Open Society Board Chair, accepted the award today on his father’s behalf at a ceremony in Berlin, Germany. “The Roma have endured centuries of discrimination and marginalization, rooted in a long history of violence—from the Holocaust to forced sterilization, child removals, and evictions. These injustices continue to resurface, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, when Roma fleeing the war in Ukraine faced barriers to shelter and aid. I’ve always believed that open societies must protect the rights of all people—especially those who are excluded. Working alongside Roma leaders and communities has been one of the most meaningful parts of my life’s work,” George Soros reflected on his long-standing relationship with the Roma community. This commitment to the Roma community continues with the 2023 launch of the Roma Foundation for Europe, an independent, Roma-led institution established with a €100 million pledge from Open Society, and with the Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, which will expand micro-loans to €15 million across six European countries by next year. Learn more: https://osf.to/4oSnupR Zentralrat Deutscher Sinti und Roma Dokumentations- und Kulturzentrum Deutscher Sinti und Roma #OpenSociety #GeorgeSoros #Antiziganism #Roma #Sinti #CivilRights #HumanRights 📸: Björn Steinz/Panos for the Open Society Foundations; Open Society Foundations (fb)