Ford Foundation

#16Days of Activism #16to365

The global South is grappling with a staggering $3 trillion debt burden, locking nations into cycles of poverty and climate vulnerability. Money spent on debt servicing is money taken from schools, hospitals, and critical climate action. This isn’t a broken system—it’s one designed to profit wealthy creditors at the expense of the Global South. In Foreign Affairs Magazine, Ford Foundation’s Martín Abregú joins Crystal Simeoni and Dr. Ndongo Samba Sylla to propose a bold vision: equitable reforms, debt cancellation, monetary sovereignty, and partnerships that put Global South voices at the forefront. At stake are global stability, sustainable development, and climate resilience. The time to act is now. https://lnkd.in/emXfpHY8

Great to see our own Darren Walker recognized for his work to support underrepresented artists and reshape museum collections across the country by the Observer’s 2024 Business of Art Power List. Check out the full list. #observerpowerlists #BusinessofArt https://lnkd.in/gn7SjMpP

“Having a little kid come up to me and tell me that they know now that if someone wants to hug them they can say no is more important than any medal I could ever win.” At this year’s Ford Foundation Free Future, record-breaking Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman spoke about the simple power of teaching kids the power of bodily autonomy, and how it creates a freer, safer world for everyone. During #16Days of Activism, we’re inspired by so many of the speakers from this year’s #FreeFuture. Check out more highlights from the stage at ourfreefuture.org/event.

We are excited to celebrate two #CFE Journalism grantees—High Country News and Koahnic Broadcast Corporation—who are elevating Indigenous perspectives. From amplifying Native voices across Alaska and beyond to covering environmental stories in the American West, their work brings vital Indigenous narratives to the forefront. This #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth and beyond, we honor their contributions to journalism and storytelling. For over 50 years, High Country News has been uncovering the complexities of the Western U.S., from environmental issues to Indigenous affairs. Koahnic Broadcast Corporation has amplified Native voices through groundbreaking programs like National Native News and Native America Calling. We’re proud to support these two grantees and help strengthen journalism that uplifts Indigenous perspectives and stories nationwide. #Journalism #IndigenousVoices

Inequality is costly. Taking steps to prioritize fairness in our economy can mean more prosperity and opportunity across local communities and global financial systems. At the Ford Foundation, we invest in the ideas, individuals, and institutions that are helping to reimagine an economy that puts people and fairness first, ensuring that those who have been left behind by our current structures have a leading role in shaping the future. To learn more about how we're looking to invest for change visit https://lnkd.in/eGVaGa8a.

At the Ford Foundation, we believe that gender equality is the unfinished business of the 21st century, and that everyone wins when social justice leaders emphasize the needs and experiences of women and gender-diverse people. That includes confronting and ending gender-based violence, which continues to impact physical and emotional health, economic stability and opportunities for millions of women, girls, and gender-diverse people worldwide. We are focusing on gender-conscious solutions in our work and considering the ramifications of gender injustice in our grantmaking. Learn more from Ford's Monica Aleman Cunningham, International Program Director for Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Justice. #16Days of Activism #16to365 https://lnkd.in/eCuyWh4U

This op-ed in Devex by Ford's Atila Roque, Vuyiswa Sidzumo and Otto Saki highlights why the G20 must follow the lead of civil society to address global justice. From Indonesia to India to Brazil, we've seen grassroots movements from the Global South drive real change, including on international financial reform, climate change and hunger. As the first African nation to head the G20, South Africa must now build on this momentum and ensure civil society has a voice in G20 decision-making, from debt reform to sustainable development.

In celebration of #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth, we’re proud to highlight Sky Hopinka’s new film Powwow People, supported through our #JustFilms program. 🎥 This documentary captures the heart of contemporary Native American powwow culture, blending intergenerational storytelling with powerful imagery. Through Hopinka’s lens, the film reveals powwows as vibrant spaces for cultural resilience and a dynamic dialogue between past and present, Native and non-Native communities. #IndigenousVoices

"The reason that people are seeking to oppress you is not because you are weak or fragile. It's precisely because you're powerful and tremendous." At this year’s Ford Foundation Free Future event to prevent gender violence around the world, ALOK Vaid-Menon shared their perspective on what it means to live as your fullest, freest self—even in the face of opposition. #TDoR This video is part of the #FreeFuture series from the Ford Foundation and The Meteor.