Stacey Knott
- Senior Advisor, Communications & Education, New Zealand Electoral Commission
New Zealand
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Focused on human rights. Always want coffee. Views=mine 🔁/❤ not endorsements
Articles by Stacey Knott
Conference 2026: Belonging at the centre, momentum for the future
Fri, 2 Oct 2026 Estimated reading times: 2 minutes Conference 2026 wasn’t just Philanthropy Australia’s largest conference to date. It was also one of its most significant. Held during Philanthropy Australia’s 50th year, the Brisbane gathering introduced a series of firsts: an integrated arts program, a youth steam, a debate, exhibitors and a newcomers session that attracted more than 400 delegates.
Unlocking capital for climate resilience and community impact
Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF) and Atlassian Foundation have announced a new partnership to support increased investment in charities that deliver positive social and environmental outcomes in Australia – ultimately meaning organisations can spend more time delivering impact, and less time talking to investors. The initiative will focus on organisations supporting communities facing challenges arising from climate change.
Esther Chang: why regional challenges need regional solutions
Across Asia and the Pacific, many of today’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to early childhood development to social inequality, extend beyond borders and sectors. For Esther Chang, CEO of Asia Philanthropy Circle (APC), addressing these complex issues requires collaboration, local knowledge and a shared commitment to long-term change.
Why generosity sits at the heart of Treaty
The concept of generosity was crucial on the path to Victoria’s Treaty and will be equally important in the decades to come, as Treaty is ultimately about building a better shared future for all Victorians. Rueben Berg is a member of Gellung Warl – First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, a former Assembly Co-Chair and a proud Gunditjmara man. He helped shape the Treaty Negotiation Framework and led engagement with the State.
Trista Harris on why we should ‘stop loving the problem’
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 Estimated reading times: 2 minutes Trista Harris still remembers her surprise when she learned that families in Sweden were sent home from daycare with a ready-made dinner, prepared by the centre’s chef. When she asked why, the answer was simple: parents of young children are busy, and cooking after a long day can be difficult. For Trista, an American mother, the response raised another question: why did the centre feel responsible for making life easier for families?
Love, leadership and philanthropy: a decade on from the marriage equality campaign
Nearly a decade ago, phones rang day and night as volunteers campaigned, friendships strengthened, relationships were tested and communities mobilised to answer a question. That question, should same-sex couples be allowed to marry, saw one of the largest philanthropy-backed campaigns in Australia’s history, with activists, corporations, members of the LGBTIQ+ community and allies rallying for marriage equality.
Dr Sonja Hood AM: Belonging is more than a visa category or postcode
Fri, 24 Jul 2026 Estimated reading times: 3 minutes Australia is changing, and so too are the debates about who belongs here. According to the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute, 32 per cent of Australians – around 8.8 million people – were born overseas. Migration has been the largest driver of population growth since 2006.
From Nairobi: Darrell Wade on progress, philanthropy and local leadership
After decades of travelling across Africa, Philanthropy Australia Chair Darrell Wade says one message stands out above all others: the story Australians hear about the continent is often out of date.
New research reveals growing strain on Australia’s social economy
New research reveals a social economy under growing strain, as organisations navigate workforce shortages, funding pressures and increasing expectations while continuing to support communities across Australia. Charities employ 1.6 million people – more than the manufacturing, construction and retail sectors – yet new research suggests Australia’s social economy is under growing pressure from workforce shortages, funding challenges and increasing demands to demonstrate impact.
African Women in Tech Working to Close Digital Divide
Women from across Africa are meeting at the annual Women in Tech Africa Week, hoping to bring more women into the tech industry and combat inequalities in technology use and access, especially for economic empowerment. Francesca Opoku remembers having to physically send workers to deliver messages or documents when she started her small social enterprise in Ghana 10 years ago. Today, she works to keep up with fast-developing technology to grow her business that produces natural beauty products.
160 Million of World’s Children Forced to Work During Pandemic, UN Says
GENEVA - A new report finds 160 million children or nearly one child in ten is involved in child labor globally, an increase of 8.4 million since 2016. A joint report by the International Labor Organization and UN Children’s Fund warns the COVID-19 pandemic is worsening an already alarming situation. The report is being launched in advance of the World Day Against Child Labor on June 12.
#40 - How we're evolving
Welcome to this latest edition of From a Climate Correspondent. If you'd like to support us, check out our Patreon page, or invite us for a coffee over at KOFI page. Thanks for reading! A red-eyed tree frog clings to a tree trunk near the Tenorio Volcano National Park in Costa Rica. Photo credit: Jocelyn Timperley From A Climate Correspondent started as a simple idea - an on the ground look at climate change challenges from some of the places we don’t always hear that much about.
US Envoy Sees Hope in Africa's Violence-Wracked Sahel Region
JOHANNESBURG - The top U.S. envoy to Africa’s Sahel region acknowledges that it has been a rough few weeks in the sprawling desert region — which covers the West African nations of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. Recent violence in Mali, Niger and the Central African Republic have left hundreds dead.
Pandemic Widens Gender Inequality in Nigerian Education
JOS, NIGERIA - A girls’ education rights group, the Malala Fund, says most of Nigeria's out-of-school children during the pandemic are girls, and that the gap with boys is widening. Joy Pam, 13, has had to wash the plates, cook the family meals, and sweep the compound daily since the pandemic forced schools to shut down in March. Even though schools have reopened now, she still must continue with her chores at home even though her classmates are back at school.
Ghana’s Capital Businesswomen Support Northern Counterparts
Mon, 12/21/2020 - 06:12 PM Britain Blockaded: Dozens of Countries Impose Travel Ban Over Coronavirus Mutation Mon, 12/21/2020 - 05:39 PM ‘The Antidote’ a Remedy Against American Divisiveness Mon, 12/21/2020 - 03:08 PM In Turkey, All-Women’s News Network Fights for Survival Mon, 12/21/2020 - 12:26 PM Creativity Abounds as Americans Mark Holidays in Times of COVID Mon, 12/21/2020 - 10:01 AM VOA Connect Episode 153, Reflections on 2020 (clean)
Close Election Shows Maturing Democracy, Ghanaian Analysts Say
ACCRA - Ghanaians re-elected President Nana Akufo-Addo this week in a close contest against former president John Mahama. But Mahama’s National Democratic Congress party gained seats in parliament, and political analysts say the election shows Ghana has a strengthening democracy. Supporters celebrated on the streets of Accra after poll authorities declared President Nana Akufo-Addo the winner of Monday’s election. He beat his opponent, former president John Mahama, by a margin of 51 to 47 percent.
Ghanaian Voters Re-Elect President Nana Akufo-Addo
ACCRA, GHANA - Official results from Ghana’s election Monday show incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo has won a second term. After a two-day wait, Ghana’s Electoral Commission on Wednesday evening said the incumbent, President Nana Akufo-Addo, retained the presidency, beating his opponent, former president John Mahama. The commission said Akufo-Addo won 6.7 million votes -- 51.6 percent of the total -- while Mahama garnered 6.2 million votes, or 47.4 percent.
Vote Counting Underway in Ghana’s National Election
Vote counting is underway in the West African nation of Ghana following its national election that ended Monday evening. The poll represents a tight battle between President Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party and his rival John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress party. The race marks the third time they have faced off against each other.
Voters in Ghana Choose Between Familiar Faces
ACCRA - Voters in Ghana are going to the polls today to decide whether to keep President Nana Akufo-Addo or to bring back former President John Mahama. While surveys show the incumbent is likely to retain power, Akufo-Addo's party is expected to lose seats in Parliament. At polling stations across the nation, lines had already formed before polls opened at 7 a.m. local time. Voters in Ghana's capital Accra lined up before polls opened on Dec. 7, 2020.
Saving Senegal's Forests: Group Turns Straw Into Fuel
DAKAR - Wood and charcoal burning account for 50% of Senegal’s household energy consumption, contributing to air pollution and deforestation. To reduce ecological damage, an association called Nebeday, which means "tree" in Wolof, the predominant local language in Senegal, hires villagers to produce an innovative energy alternative. Half of Senegal’s households rely on wood or wood charcoal.
Ghanaians Prepare to Vote in Election with Familiar Front-Runners
ACCRA - Ghanaians go to the polls Monday with incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo and former president John Mahama as front-runners. Akufo-Addo’s party has campaigned mainly on his education initiatives, while Mahama’s has focused on job creation and attacking his opponent's record on corruption. But the familiar faces have also made voter apathy an issue. Ghana's government this week announced Monday would be a public holiday to help get voters to the polls to choose the next president.
Ghana’s Election Rallies Raise Fears of COVID-19 Spread
Sun, 12/27/2020 - 04:44 PM Volunteer Group Helps Clean Miami Beaches Sat, 12/26/2020 - 06:32 PM Vaccines Arrive as COVID-19 Cases Rise Sat, 12/26/2020 - 12:32 PM Pandemic Helper? Technology Succeeds, Falls Short During the Crisis Sun, 12/27/2020 - 03:04 AM What The Past Can Teach Us About 2020 Sat, 12/26/2020 - 03:09 AM Taiwan Relations in Focus as President-Elect Biden Charts China Policy
Fears Grow of Further COVID-19 Spikes Ahead of Ghana’s Election
ACCRA - Ghana has been lauded for its COVID-19 response and a fairly low death toll of 323 people. Total cases have now surpassed 50,000, however, and the president recently warned citizens to stay vigilant. Experts fear that cases will increase as political parties go into full campaign mode ahead of the December 7 vote. Ghana’s Health Service recently estimated that more than 80% of Ghanaians are not wearing face masks, a drastic drop from previous compliance levels.
Nigeria’s Traditional Textiles Threatened by Chinese Imports
JOS, NIGERIA - Nigeria has been producing traditional, handmade, beautiful fabric designs for centuries. But preservers of the ancient art say modern manufacturing and cheap Chinese imports threaten this way of life. Kano’s Kofar Mata dye pit is one of the last surviving hand-coloring textile makers in Nigeria. Over the years, the workers at the pit have become fewer and fewer due to reduced patronage.
Ghana’s Corruption Fight Questioned After Prosecutor Quits Original
ACCRA, GHANA - Less than three weeks ahead of Ghana's election, anti-corruption Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has resigned, alleging political interference with his work. Political analysts say Amidu's resignation may affect the December polls. Ghana has had a long-running battle with corruption, with scandals under multiple governments and corruption seen as entrenched throughout society.
Voters Want Action Over Accra’s Annual Flooding
Sun, 12/27/2020 - 04:44 PM Volunteer Group Helps Clean Miami Beaches Sat, 12/26/2020 - 06:32 PM Vaccines Arrive as COVID-19 Cases Rise Sat, 12/26/2020 - 12:32 PM Pandemic Helper? Technology Succeeds, Falls Short During the Crisis Sun, 12/27/2020 - 03:04 AM What The Past Can Teach Us About 2020 Sat, 12/26/2020 - 03:09 AM Taiwan Relations in Focus as President-Elect Biden Charts China Policy
Why Ghanaians are still divided over the legacy of Jerry Rawlings
Standing outside the home of former president Jerry Rawlings, in Ghana’s capital Accra, fashion designer Helena Alanyabui declared people should only focus on the good things he did. To her, he was a “selfless leader.” “Today, some of our children know Rawlings as a wicked man, why? Because all that Rawlings came to do is not being broadcast.
Ghana's Ladybird Truckers Put Women Behind the Wheel in Male-Dominated Industry
TAKORADI, GHANA - Ladybird Logistics, a women-only trucking company in Ghana, has seen its fleet of trucks quadruple in the past two years and the number of its female drivers triple. The company is succeeding in the face of low expectations. Eyram Sedor is proud to be one of the first women to join Ladybird Logistics, a trucking firm in Ghana that claims to be the world’s first to hire only female drivers. She also loves seeing newly recruited ladies get behind the wheel.
Ivory Coast Voters Choose Country’s Next President Saturday
Ivory Coast voters will decide Saturday whether President Alassane Ouattara will claim a controversial third term. During his final campaign rally Thursday, Ouattara told thousands of supporters to vote and not allow themselves to be prevented from voting, telling them to protect polling stations. Concerns about election violence have grown in recent weeks following demonstrations and attacks.
Ivorian Refugees in Ghana Fear Increased Electoral Violence
Ivory Coast's 2010 election violence killed 3,000 people and sent thousands more fleeing into Ghana. Now, many of those refugees fear the Ivorian election this Saturday could spark new unrest, as Stacey Knott reports from Ampain Refugee Camp. Camera: Stacey Knott Produced by: Stacey Knott
Ivorian Refugees in Ghana Fear Increase Electoral Violence
AMPAIN REFUGEE CAMP, GHANA - Violence in Ivory Coast after the 2010 election killed 3,000 people and sent thousands more fleeing into neighboring Ghana. Ten years later, many Ivorians — including those still living in Ghana — fear clashes leading up to Saturday's vote could trigger another round of unrest. Yves Glazibo was one of the 20,000 Ivorians who fled across the border after the 2010 election, after then-President Laurent Gbagbo refused to concede defeat to Alassane Ouattara.
Peace, Development at Stake in Ivory Coast Election
ACCRA - The West African nation of Ivory Coast is seeing pockets of violence ahead of an October 31 election, with analysts worried about further clashes. Opposition parties announced a boycott of the election and urged civil disobedience among their supporters. The unrest has raised concerns in the region and brought a halt to tourism.
Nigerian Vice President Promises Justice for Demonstrators Killed by Security Forces
Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is expressing his condolences and promising justice for as many as 12 peaceful protesters shot dead by Nigerian Security Forces at the Lekki toll plaza. Osinbajo's comments, in a series of tweets Wednesday night, were the first public comments from the country's leaders referring to Tuesday’s shooting in Lagos state.
Nigerians in Ghana Protest in Support of End SARS Movement
ACCRA, GHANA - Nigerians in Ghana are joining growing diaspora protests against police brutality in the West African nation, spurred on by events on Tuesday night in Lagos where soldiers allegedly opened fire on protesters. Across the world, people are expressing outrage over the events in Lagos late Tuesday. On Tuesday, after Lagos state authorities announced a 24-hour curfew, eyewitnesses said soldiers opened fire on demonstrators at Lekki Toll Plaza, with casualties reported.
Violence Feared in Contentious Ivory Coast Election Original
ACCRA, GHANA - As Ivory Coast’s president prepares to campaign for another term in office, his main challengers have called for a boycott of the Oct. 31 election, adding to widespread doubts about a fair and transparent vote. President Alassane Ouattara’s two main challengers, Henri Konan Bedie and Pascal Affi N'Guessan, said Thursday they would boycott the vote and invited their supporters across the West African nation to do the same.
Protesters March on Nigerian Parliament After Army Threatens to Step In
LAGOS/ABUJA - Hundreds of protesters marched Thursday to the gates of Nigeria's parliament, hours after the army said it was ready to step in and restore order after more than a week of demonstrations against police brutality. The protest defied a ban on mass rallies in the capital, Abuja, that the government said was imposed earlier Thursday to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Nigeria Disbands Controversial Police Unit But Protests Continue
ABUJA - The Nigerian government has disbanded a controversial police unit known for beating and torturing ordinary citizens. But protests against the SARS unit that began two weeks ago continued across Nigeria Tuesday, with demonstrators demanding justice for victims and an end to police impunity. Kalu Kingsley was hanging out at a lounge in Abuja one evening in October 2017 when a confrontation broke out between citizens and members of the police Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
Nigerians Protest against Police Brutality Despite Government's Promise to Disband Special Unit
Thousands of Nigerians marched in Lagos and other cities Monday to demand an end to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, or SARS, a police unit accused of extrajudicial killings and abuses. The government announced Sunday the unit will be disbanded, but many Nigerians are skeptical, as officials have promised an end to the unit and its alleged abuses before. In an address on Monday, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari said SARS officers responsible for wrongful acts would be brought to justice.
Ghana Working to Save Eroding Coastlines
Ghana has started building seawalls at key points along its shore to stop coastal erosion and protect beaches, communities and historic buildings. But fishermen say the walls make it hard to pull in their nets, while coastal resorts say the walls hurt their businesses. Ben Idun set up a resort in the coastal town of Elmina in 2009, imagining people would flock to its golden beach.
Ghana Businessman Promotes Benefits of Maintaining Forests Original
BREMAN BEDUM, GHANA - A World Bank report shows Ghana loses at least 315,000 hectares of its forest each year. To help change that, a Ghanaian project is promoting sustainable forestry, teaching people the economic benefits of letting trees stand and surrounding vegetation live. Wellington Baiden calls his lush, 85-hectare forest a “green supermarket” -- it produces fish, wood products, seedlings, fruits, and essential oils.
Nigerians Protest against Police Brutality Despite Government's Promise to Disband Special Unit
ACCRA, GHANA - Thousands of Nigerians marched in Lagos and other cities Monday to demand an end to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, or SARS, a police unit accused of extrajudicial killings and abuses. The government announced Sunday the unit will be disbanded, but many Nigerians are skeptical, as officials have promised an end to the unit and its alleged abuses before.
Why Ghanaian Experts Want More Focus on Colon Cancer
ACCRA, GHANA - Cancer experts in Ghana lament that little attention is paid to screening for colorectal cancer, leading to a high death rate for the disease, despite its relatively low occurrence. They hope the recent death of American actor Chadwick Boseman, the star of the Hollywood film “Black Panther,” might bring fresh awareness. Stacey Knott reports from Accra. By the time a patient comes to Dr. Clement Edusa with colon cancer, it is often too late.
Ghanaian Oncologists Want More Focus on Colon Cancer
ACCRA - By the time a patient comes to Dr. Clement Edusa with colon cancer, it is often too late. The medical director of the Sweden Ghana Medical Center will see cancer that has been misdiagnosed and spread, as the patient has sought out other treatments, including some from ill-equipped small clinics or herbalists.
ECOWAS Could Lift Mali Sanctions on Friday
The 15-nation Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, could announce Friday if it will lift crippling sanctions on Mali. Incoming interim Malian President Bah Ndaw is to be sworn in Friday in the capital, Bamako for an 18-month term. On the eve of the ceremony, Ndaw met with former Nigerian President and ECOWAS mediator Goodluck Jonathan. Jonathan said ECOWAS could announce Friday whether the official appointments satisfy the organization’s conditions to lift crippling sanctions.
Ghana's Used Clothing Market Falters as COVID Bans, Poverty Intersect
ACCRA, GHANA - Ghanaian multimedia artist Sel Kofiga documents the many hands that imported secondhand clothing and fabrics that pass through the bustling Kantamanto market in Accra, which largely deals with goods discarded by the West. Kofiga’s work focuses on the complex challenges within the market, including people’s livelihoods and the excess production the market represents.
Ghana's Used Clothing Market Falters as Pandemic, Poverty Intersect
Thu, 09/24/2020 - 11:56 PM Lawmakers Criticize Changes at US International Broadcasting Networks Fri, 09/25/2020 - 02:18 AM Trump, Biden Prepare for Contested Election Over Mail-in Voting Thu, 09/24/2020 - 09:07 PM France’s Muslims Say New Separatism Law Targets Them Thu, 09/24/2020 - 03:44 PM Zimbabwe’s Rescued Wildlife Joins Jerusalema Dance Challenge Thu, 09/24/2020 - 04:27 PM Solar Storms, Massive Arctic Melt, and Next Space Station Crew
Mali Junta Picks Former Defense Minister as Transitional President
The junta that overthrew Mali's president last month said Monday that former defense minister and retired Col. Maj. Bah N'Daw will be the president during the transition period. Bah N'Daw was appointed by a 30-person panel set up by the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP), the junta that has ruled Mali since soldiers overthrew President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on Aug. 18. CNSP chief Col. Assimi Goïta made the announcement on national television.
Experts Call ECOWAS Mali Deadline Unrealistic
ACCRA, GHANA - Leaders of West African states and Mali's military coup failed to agree on a transfer to civilian rule in talks this week, raising concerns about the political standoff and regional security in that country. Security experts in Ghana, where the talks took place, say the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) needs to help Mali return to “normalcy,” because it is in a dire situation.
Experts Call For Doubling Efforts to Eliminate Child Labor
ACCRA, GHANA - Experts say an international convention universally ratified in August will give children legal protection against the worst forms of child labor. In Ghana, children are still used in hazardous labor, especially in fisheries and the cocoa industry. One Ghanaian non-governmental organization is making a difference by rescuing children from work and getting them into school.
From a Climate Correspondent
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