Community Engagement Through Media Innovation
Alharaca: Uplifting Female Protagonists and Narratives
Established in 2018, Alharaca is an independent digital news platform that works collaboratively to report from a feminist perspective on topics such as social justice, equality, art, and technology. They offer a trusted space for women to publish stories often overlooked or rejected by mainstream media outlets.
- El Salvador
- Alharaca
- Kelly Portello's
- 2023
- El Salvador
- Alharaca
- Kelly Portello's
- 2023
MAIN REVENUE MODEL
> The Story
As part of a series of reports on rural women, RFW corps member and photo journalist Kellys Portillo and her colleague journalist Vilma Laínez, reported on the scarcity of water in Catarina Abajo. Kellys and Vilma, who is native to the area, documented the journey of a group of women as they traveled all the way to the river to collect water and wash their clothes portraying them as resilient agents rather than victims. Impact Summary:
Internal Individual Impact
According to Laura Aguirre, founder of Alharaca, this story had a positive impact on the mental health of the team members who were able to portray constructive stories that give hope. Portillo's coverage garnered significant interaction, advancing her career as requests for freelance photojournalism work and invitations to speak at conferences increased.
Internal Institutional Impact
As a result of this series of investigations, Alharaca won a three year fund from a philanthropic organization. A professional alliance with the local radio station was initiated after local community leaders requested the airing of Alharaca’s podcast on Radio Victoria.
External Individual impact
The alliance with the local radio station allowed Alharaca to increase its reach among the rural community who do not have access to the internet.
