Vikes is a development cooperation foundation specialized in freedom of expression and the media
At Foundation for Media and Development (Vikes), we support freedom of expression, press freedom, and journalists’ rights in Finland and in global south. We believe that a free and diverse media is the foundation of democracy and a fundamental human right. Our work ensures that citizens have access to independent, critical, and unbiased information to support participation and decision-making.
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Silence is not an option – Journalists forced into exile in Central America drew strength from collaboration and regional cooperation networks
The operational environment for the free media in Central America deteriorated dramatically in 2025. Authoritarian governments in Nicaragua and El Salvador drove independent media outlets into exile, but journalists continued their work nonetheless and strengthened…
The first sign language news broadcasts began in Somalia
In 2025, men in Somalia received training on promoting women’s rights in the workplace, journalists and policymakers were trained in peace journalism, and the country’s first sign language news broadcasts began. Somalia has been in the midst of a civil war for over 36…
The support project for female journalists expanded to Uganda, and the number of training sessions increased
In 2025, more than 500 journalists participated in the training sessions organized by Vikes’ “Women in the Media” project. The 220 articles produced as part of the project covered topics such as issues affecting women, politics, and corruption. In Tanzania, Uganda,…
Community radio stations supported by Vikes reach over 15 million people in Tanzania and Uganda
In 2025, more than 400 journalists participated in training sessions organized by Vikes’ East Africa project. These training sessions led to the production of hundreds of programs and articles on disability, climate and environmental issues, and daily life in rural…
Activities and Achievements in 2025
journalists
We train media professionals
In 2025, Vikes trained and provided professional support to a total of 1,339 journalists and documentary filmmakers. Together, they produced 584 multimedia stories, while the combined audience of our partners reached 25.6 million people.
The training covered a wide range of topics, including investigative journalism, rural journalism, climate journalism, documentary filmmaking and editing, identifying hate speech and disinformation, fact-checking and misinformation detection, content production, leadership, and supporting women leaders in media organizations. In addition, Vikes supported its partners in website and radio portal management, reporting, institutional formalization, and organizational administration.
partners
We promote freedom of expression in developing countries
In 2025, Vikes worked with 15 media organizations, media outlets, and journalists’ associations in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda. Alongside concrete outputs such as news stories and documentaries, our work strengthens the capacity of partner organizations, supports local civil society, and contributes to democratic development.
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women
We support equality and female journalists
Women journalists face particularly challenging conditions in many countries, where harassment remains widespread. They are underrepresented both in the journalism profession and in leadership positions within media organizations. Gender equality and inclusion are cross-cutting priorities in all of Vikes’ work. In 2025, Vikes supported 768 women journalists, who produced more than 300 stories.
Silence is not an option – Journalists forced into exile in Central America drew strength from collaboration and regional cooperation networks
The operational environment for the free media in Central America deteriorated dramatically in 2025. Authoritarian governments in Nicaragua and El Salvador drove independent media outlets into exile, but journalists continued their work nonetheless and…
Silence is not an option – Journalists forced into exile in Central America drew strength from collaboration and regional cooperation networks
The operational environment for the free media in Central America deteriorated dramatically in 2025. Authoritarian governments in Nicaragua and El Salvador drove independent media outlets into exile, but journalists continued their work nonetheless and…
Supporters of our work
Donors
Partner organizations
MEMBERSHIPS AND NETWORKS
We work on development cooperation projects in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
In Finland, we train journalists and media students on topics such as sustainable development and the importance of diversity and pluralism in the media.