In this episode, we examine the growing threat of online hate speech in Ethiopia. From how it spreads to the real-world harm it causes, we explore strategies to counter it effectively and build a safer, more respectful digital space.

Originally aired on Fana FM Shashemene 103.4, this episode is now available online for wider access and continued learning.

Key Topics:
• How hate speech spreads online
• The real-life impact on communities
• What you can do to stop it

This initiative is funded by the European Union, implemented by r0g_agency for open culture and critical transformation, and carried out in partnership with Positive Peace Ethiopia.

⚠️ Jechoonni humna qaba. ogummaadhaan itti fayyadamaa!
Kutaan kun akkaataa haasaan jibbiinsaa itti babal’atu, bu’aa badaa inni qabuu fi karaalee itti ofirraa ittisan irratti mari’ata.

Sanbata Guddaa kana sa’aatii 11:30 irratti Faanaa FM Shashemene 103.4 irratti dhaggeeffadhaa.

Pirojektiin kun maallaqa Gamtaa Awurooppaatiin kan Deeggaramu yoo ta’u, Dhaabbata r0g_agency for open culture and critical transformationiin, Positive Peace Ethiopia waliin ta’uun kan raawwatamudha.

The #defyhatenow_Ethiopia Initiative is implemented by r0g_agency in partnership with Positive Peace Ethiopia (PPE) and funded by the European Union is launching a crucial media partnership to air a specific radio program called “Itiyoophiyaa Jibbarra Bilisa” with Fana Media Corporation’s Shashemene Branch to empower communities in the Oromia region. The collaboration will focus on equipping citizens with the fact-checking knowledge and media literacy skills needed to combat the rising tide of misinformation and hate speech.

At the heart of this initiative is a dynamic weekly 30-minute radio program, produced by graduates of the Africa Fact-Checking Fellowship – Ethiopia (AFF-ETH) Cohort 1. Our fellows, Jemal and Negawo will leverage their expertise to educate the public, share essential fact-checking techniques, and foster critical thinking through engaging content in Afaan Oromo. We are targeting young people aged 16-35, a demographic often vulnerable to the influence of misinformation. Listeners can expect expert interviews, in-depth discussions on current events, and easily digestible educational segments that break down fact-checking principles and media literacy concepts.

This partnership with Fana Radio allows #defyhatenow_Ethiopia to amplify the importance of media literacy and fact-checking, reaching a wide audience with vital information.

This campaign recognizes that trust and influence are key to changing online behavior. By partnering with respected voices and leveraging the reach of community radio, #HateFreeEthiopia aims to empower Ethiopians to become responsible consumers and creators of online content.

Giving individuals the ability to think critically and resist division is ultimately what this is all about. Small actions, such as questioning a suspicious post or sharing verified facts—can make a real difference, whether through radio, social media, or casual chats because peace is possible when communities unite to oppose hate and false information.

Here you can listen to the recent episodes from soundcloud;

April 6, 2025 @ 5:30 pm – June 29, 2025 @ 6:00 pm

To counter Mis/disinformation and advance media literacy throughout Oromia, #defyhatenow-Ethiopia is establishing a weekly 30-minute radio show in collaboration with the Shashemene branch of Fana Media Corporation. The program, which will air Sundays at 5:30 PM from March to June 2025, will include AFF-ETH Cohort I fellows creating engaging content in Afaan Oromo that will appeal to young people between the ages of 16 and 35. This content will include expert interviews, listener participation segments, and educational debates. This project, which is funded by the EU, makes use of Fana FM 103.4’s audience of over 9 million listeners to enable communities to recognize false information, combat hate speech, and develop critical media consumption practices. Through cooperative local media participation, the initiative emphasizes a shared commitment to building resilient, informed societies.

#defyhatenow Ethiopia, in partnership with Positive Peace Ethiopia, is looking for translation service providers.  The task will be to translate the  project’s social media hate speech mitigation field guide into three local languages: Amharic, Afaan Oromo, and Tigrinya. The project funded by the Delegation of the European Union to Ethiopia works to mobilise civic and digital action to counter social media hate speech and online incitement to violence in Ethiopia with a focus on grassroots communities. 

The project aims to foster civic engagement and digital initiatives as proactive measures to address the pervasive issues of hate speech and the incitement of violence online in Ethiopia.The service provider should have worked with clients in the civil society sector and understand the conflict and peacebuilding dynamics of Ethiopia. 

Requisites:

• A licensed organisation to work on translation services that must provide an up-to-date business license upon request. 
• Experience working with civil society projects with an understanding of the Ethiopian civil society landscape and able to maintain cultural sensitivity. 
• A team of three people fluent in written Amharic, Afaan Oromo, and Tigrinya with a strong understanding of the English language. 
• Must provide recommendations from previous clients for work done. 
• A cover letter detailing suitability to undertake the assignment
• A cost quote of translation per page
•  A 4-day workshop participation fee quote for the three individuals fluent in Amharic, Afaan Oromo, and Tigrinya

Main tasks:

• Participating in a workshop for four days to understand the concept of the field guide to be translated as it is being reviewed by experts in the field. 
• Active participation in the mentioned workshops to ensure full understanding of the field guide contents for a contextual translation. 
• Contextual translation of the final draft after the review to the three languages: Amharic, Afaan Oromo, and Tigrinya (page-by-page translation price quotation needed)
• Incorporating feedback in the translation process to ensure the translated content truly reflects the original context

This is a short-term, task-based engagement that will start in February, 2025. Interested translation service providers should submit  their organisation profile and price quotation for the task by February 7, 2025, to contact@ppeth.org and MUST cc ethiopia@defyhatenow.org to be considered for the task. Please use the subject line, “Translation of the #defyhatenow Ethiopia Field Guide”.

We are excited to invite you to apply for the second cohort of the Africa Fact-Checking Fellowship – Ethiopia (AFF-ETH), an initiative under #defyhatenow Ethiopia, funded by the European Union. This groundbreaking Fellowship aims to empower individuals to effectively counter online hate speech, incitement to violence, and the spread of disinformation/misinformation.

This program is designed to deliver three distinct fellowships across different regions of Ethiopia. The first fellowship was successfully completed in Oromia, featuring a blend of online and in-person training sessions. This second three-month cohort will focus specifically on participants residing in the Tigray region.

This second three-month cohort specifically focuses on participants residing in the Tigray region.

Eligibility Criteria

• Digital Literacy: Basic computer skills and regular internet access via smartphone, personal computer, or both.
• Social Media Presence: Active on at least two social media platforms.
• Language Proficiency: Fluent in English and Tigrinya.
• Residency: Must be currently based in Tigray Region.
• Experience: Demonstrated experience and expertise in at least one of the following areas: media, peacebuilding, civic engagement, or conflict resolution.

Kindly complete this form to apply for this valuable opportunity.

June 18, 2024 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

This is a virtual conference dedicated to inspiring and educating young activists and change-makers about peacebuilding, human rights, and social justice. The conference will feature renowned speakers, workshops, and interactive sessions, offering a platform for youth to learn, network, and collaborate on initiatives that promote peace and positive change in their communities and the world

February 17, 2024 @ 8:00 am – February 18, 2024 @ 5:00 pm

1st Session – Gendered Misinformation (In-person) was a two-day workshop exclusively for women, with 33 participants each day. The workshop aimed to introduce Gender Based Violence through the lens of Gendered Misinformation in digital media, including advertisements, word of mouth, and social norms, from the Ethiopian perspective. The first day consisted of a full-day workshop, followed by a half-day session on the second day.

October 2, 2023 @ 8:00 am – October 16, 2023 @ 5:00 pm

Promoting Peace Through Social Media: #defyhatenow Ethiopia and Youth Sounding Board Ethiopia Collaborate

In the vibrant digital landscape of Ethiopia, where social media platforms connect people across diverse backgrounds, an innovative campaign is taking root—one that aims to harness the power of youth voices for peace. The collaboration between #defyhatenow Ethiopia and the Youth Sounding Board Ethiopia has sparked hope and engagement among young Ethiopians.

January 18, 2024 @ 8:00 am – January 19, 2024 @ 5:00 pm

On January 18 and 19, 2024, the Field Guide Sprint’s Ethiopia Edition update engaged 60 participants (30 females, 30 males) in hate speech and violence mitigation with #defyhatenow