Africa

June 08, 2018

For millions of women around the world, monthly periods are something that comes with real hazards, such as missing school and work or being subjected to potentially harmful sanitary conditions. But there's a global menstrual movement taking place.

Overfished: In Senegal, empty nets lead to hunger and violence

May 30, 2018

The crisis is now forcing West African countries fronting the Atlantic to fight one another over the fish that remain.

Jobs

Lagos' megacity dreams are a nightmare for many working people

May 29, 2018

Lagos, Nigeria, is Africa's largest city and it could double in size by 2050. As city officials and developers undertake a project they say will make Lagos a global city of the future, critics argue that megacity gentrification is hurting working people. A new land use tax increase threatens even more strain.

Rwanda, US eye trade war over $1 billion used clothing market

Reuters

May 24, 2018

Selling America's used clothing — much of it donated to charities and the bulk of it originally made outside the United States — is a nearly $1 billion industry. Exports typically end up in poor nations. Africa is a key destination. But Rwanda wants to grow its own textile industry, and those used clothes are an obstacle.

Religion

Vodun children in Togo must dedicate their lives to the convent

May 21, 2018

In vodun, an African religion, children are dedicated by their families to a convent and must remain there for life. The kids become the de facto property of the convent, catering to the demands of the priests and priestesses.

Environment

Two friends from South Africa share the Goldman Environmental Prize

Living on Earth

May 19, 2018

Two winners of the 2018 Goldman Environmental Prize were a team of grassroots activists from South Africa. Their efforts quashed a secret deal between Russia and the South African government to build expensive and wasteful nuclear power plants.

Women & Girls

An online campaign is rewriting Egyptian beauty standards

May 16, 2018

For years, Egyptian women of all ages have felt pressure to straighten their naturally curly hair. But now, a group of women have said enough is enough. Through an online campaign, they're trying to get Egyptian women to embrace their curls.

Angolans laugh a little louder as iron grip loosens

Reuters

April 19, 2018

Greater transparency in what was one of Africa's most secretive states could help restore investor confidence in the continent's second-largest crude producer.

When the US bows out of nation-building, China steps in

America Abroad

April 17, 2018

Unlike Western nations, China doesn't demand democratic reform or human rights standards when engaging with states with weak or failing governments. Syria is a case in point.

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Health

A self-proclaimed 'vaginal ecologist' is determined to halt the transmission of HIV to women

Science Friday

September 03, 2015

Sharon Hillier didn't start out wanting to be the voice of, well, the vagina. But when she discovered just how off-base men who studied women's reproductive issues were, she felt she had to do something.

Despite the peace deal with Ethiopia, Eritrean refugees are still afraid to return home

Science, Tech & Environment

September 13, 2018

Samuel Berhe, like many other Eritreans, fled the country some years ago to escape mandatory national service, which the government made indefinite following the 1998-2000 border war with Ethiopia. The war cost the countries an estimated 100,000 lives, while conscription created a generation of Eritrean refugees.

Dogs get the call to protect rhinos in Kenya from poachers

April 09, 2014

The latest weapon against rhino poaching in Kenya? Dogs trained to track and attack poachers.

Health & Medicine

Thousands of health workers in Senegal receive no pay. Is that fair?

December 19, 2013

In many developing countries, thousands of volunteers serve as community health workers. But who is looking after their interests? Amy Costello reports from the West African nation of Senegal.

Lifestyle & Belief

Kenya's gay community comes out, one story at a time

February 17, 2014

In many parts of Africa, people don't recognize that gay people exist. Former BBC journalist Kevin Mwachiro is trying to change that with a new book, "Invisible: Stories from Kenya's Queer Community."

Conflict & Justice

The producers of Kony 2012 say they've learned their lesson, but critics aren't so sure

April 16, 2014

Kony 2012 captured millions of eyeballs and about as much controversy. Two years on, the organization behind the video is still operating and still focused on capturing Joseph Kony — but the group's leaders say they've learned a lot from their experience with their viral video.

Immigration

The razor wire that separates Europe from Africa might be coming down

September 10, 2018

The changes come as migrants’ pathways across the Mediterranean evolve to make Spain the busiest gateway into Europe.

24 killed in air raid on Yemen market

Agence France-Presse

June 18, 2017

At least 24 civilians were killed in an air raid Sunday on a market in northern Yemen, a medical official and witnesses said, blaming the Saudi-led coalition battling Yemeni rebels.

South Sudan president calls for 'national dialogue' to end civil war

Agence France-Presse

December 14, 2016

President Salva Kiir said the dialogue would "consolidate peace" in South Sudan.

Technology

Sudanese American parents look at Ahmed Mohamed and think of their own kids