Blogging and social activism were on the agenda last night when Deutsche Welle (DW) presented prizes to the winners of its international blog awards, The Bobs. “Best Blog” went to Iranian journalist and blogger Arash Sigarchi, and his blog Window of Anguish.  “When it comes to freedom, I believe the situation has worsened since I left Iran in 2008,” said Sigarchi, who reports in Persian and English about social and political topics in his homeland, especially about the state of human rights.

You can find a wrap-up of the entire event in the press release.

DW has a new blog focusing on the next generation of activists. Generation Change looks at young people all over the world who are working to make a difference – whether they are campaigning for free press in Zimbabwe, helping provide clean water in India, or offering free music lessons to underprivileged kids in the UK.

The editorial team is also looking for leads. Are you or someone you know doing something big or small to change your community, your city, your country – or even the world? Then post the link to your blog or website, or simply share the story yourself. Send Generation Change an e-mail at  or comment on the Generation Change website.

You can also listen to all of the audio reports and podcasts in the DW Media Center.

 

The best bloggers in the world were presented with their awards at a ceremony held Monday at the Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum. The BOBS – Deutsche Welle Blog Awards – are selected and presented annually.

Tunisian blogger Lina Ben Mhenni was presented with the award for this years best blog. The 28-year-old professor at the University of Tunis has been writing about social and political events in her country in a blog called “A Tunisian Girl” for several years. She writes in French, English and Arabic.  “When I saw how people were being killed it became clear there was no going back,” said Ben Mhenni. “I had to ensure that the voices of these people and their families be heard so that they hadn’t died in vain.”

Find out more about the ceremony and the award winners in the official press release or on The BOBs website.

 

An article from Global Arab Network hihglights the role of women and new media in the changing Arab World. The article puts a focus Egyptian blogger Eman Hashim, who was the winner of Best Arabic Blog from the Deutsche Welle Blog Awards – The BOBs. The blog, called Violet Revolution, deals with Egyptian life, with a special focus and a first-hand account of political developments in Egypt, including the Egyptian revolution and its aftermath.

 

DW reporter Stefan Nestler is still onboard the research vessel "Sonne," currently sailing off the coast of New Zealand. His blogging stint has about run its course but you can still catch up on all the developments on the Methane Blog.

This blog is just one of many contributions to DW's future now project, which is exploring the science of tomorrow. Check it out and explore several different topics in four categories: environment, communication, mobility and health.

Also a great chance to check out the latest DW WebDoc Arsenic in the water about the current situation in Bangladesh.