These grandmas are learning how to fight back against rapists.

On the outskirts of Kenya's capital, elderly women live in constant fear as they increasingly fall victim to rape. However, a glimmer of hope shines through self-defense classes tailored for them.

Korogocho, a poverty-stricken neighborhood, sees residents surviving on less than one dollar a day, often resorting to scavenging or selling goods. HIV has devastated the community, leaving many children orphaned. Rape runs rampant, particularly targeting older women, as they’re believed to possess curative powers.

However, change is emerging as a local NGO is trying to empower these ladies to fight back with their fists and voices by teaching them how to be confident and to act when needed.

Granny Fight Club / 2017
#Kenya

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"We [Italy] are treated more like a colony than a valued ally", says artist Salvatore about his country’s role in NATO.

In 2022, Rome and other NATO members approved military aid for Kiev, a decision that was met with opposition from many Italians. The citizens have been questioning the benefits of such policies, puzzled by their country's weapon supply to Ukraine and the increased presence of more American soldiers. "Getting involved in the war, Europe is losing its true self, becoming NATO’s dumb little brother," says journalist Giorgio Bianchi.

Many Italians believe that by supporting NATO’s strategies, they will inevitably suffer from the consequences of such decisions. Now, they are trying to make their voices heard...

Another Italy / 2022
#Italy

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How could Dostoevsky’s philosophy remain relevant after two centuries?

Russia's iconic writer has transcended borders, becoming a global brand that compels people to confront their true selves and offers the promise of personal growth. His transformative impact on readers, regardless of language, underscores his universal appeal.

At Duke University in North Carolina, students captivated by Dostoevsky's profound works find solace in his ability to address contemporary challenges.

What's your favorite work by Dostoyevsky, and why?

Universal Dostoevsky / 2022
#USA

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The Amazon does not only boast the largest basin area in the world but also serves as a major hub for drug trafficking, generating an estimated $10 billion annually.

As cocaine travels along the world's largest river, its price soars by 150 times. With sections of the Amazon spanning up to 80 km wide, policing the area becomes nearly impossible. Drug cartels fight for control, displacing locals and converting abandoned riverside homes into cocaine storage facilities.

The area has Brazil's second-highest homicide rate; people and whole families are killed daily…

As the locals live in fear of cartels, what can they do to protect themselves?

The Cocaine River / 2023
#Brazil #Colombia #Peru

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"After my first trip [to Donbass], I realised that these people wouldn’t survive without us," says Vadim Khomich, founder of the NGO Russkiy Mir. After witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by civilians, he recognized that his personal efforts alone would not suffice. Today, his organisation not only provides the people of Donbass with food and essential goods, but also strives to uplift the spirit of the children. They organise special events and provide gifts for every child to help them cope with their trauma and integrate them back into a more peaceful society. Take a look at how people come together in times of crisis and why these volunteer’s efforts are vital.

Together we stand / 2023
#Russia

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Can faith overpower terror? You will be amazed by the profound events that unfolded in an Egyptian village.

In 2015, ISIS ruthlessly killed 20 Christian men in this village. The community mourned their loss and revered them as martyrs. The survivors grappled with guilt but also found admiration in the courage of their fallen friends. The village sought solace in the unwavering faith displayed by these martyrs. But that's not all – remarkably, the villagers began to pray for the very people responsible for the heinous acts. Why would they pray for the killers?

ISIS vs Christ / 2015
#Egypt

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These Congolese parents turn to sorcerers to protect their daughters – from the threat of rape!

In Congo, girls endure daily sexual harassment and abuse from strangers, peers, and even family members. Shockingly, these acts are not legally recognized as crimes and victims are often blamed. With a lack of support systems and limited intervention from authorities, people turn to alternative measures.

In a desperate attempt to safeguard their daughters, desperate parents seek the assistance of sorcerers to suppress their femininity. Painful rituals, including breast-slapping and cutting are performed.

While feminist activists advocate for change through sexual education and challenging the culture of violence, deep-rooted superstitions persist, leaving girls trapped between the threat of rape and excruciating rituals.

Congo's Hell for Girls / 2022
#Congo

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Would you venture to the ends of the Earth to gather garbage?

For decades, Arctic explorers and scientists have accumulated litter and waste on the shores of the North, braving harsh conditions and bitter cold. In an effort to combat the pollution of bygone eras and safeguard local wildlife, volunteers joined forces to cleanse the Arctic. Their noble mission took them to Heiss Island on Franz Josef Land, a remote location situated nearly a thousand kilometers from the North Pole. What obstacles did they encounter during their six-weeks mission, and what accomplishments did they achieve?

Arctic Calling / 2023
#Russia

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These burrneshas, or sworn virgins, defy societal norms by assuming the roles of men. But who are they really?

In Albania, an unusual tradition endures: women becoming burrneshas, or sworn virgins, to represent their families in a patriarchal society. Originating from the medieval 'Kanun' code, this practice grants women rights typically reserved for men, including property management and participation in blood feuds. To fully embrace this role, a woman must be a virgin, take a vow of celibacy, and forfeit the opportunity to marry and have children…

The Virgins / 2016
#Albania

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Entire rural communities are dependent on coca-farming but they insist they are not drug dealers. How come?

Colombian farmers in isolated regions often have no choice but to rely on coca as their primary source of income. A peace deal in 2016 was aimed at shifting these farmers towards legal crops with subsidies and training. Unfortunately, the promised support has failed to materialize. The army's eradication efforts occurred prematurely, destroying existing coca fields before viable alternatives were established. This has sparked growing frustration and protests among farmers who were left without the promised solutions. Why have the alternative plans failed to materialize?

The Coca Trap / 2019
#Colombia

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K-pop girl band Six Bomb spent $80,000 on plastic surgery.

Korean pop girl band Six Bomb has taken an unconventional route to stand out from the crowd. In their pursuit of increased femininity and sex appeal, all the members have gone under the knife. Their belief is that these plastic surgeries will enhance their business opportunities and appeal to fans. But is this reliance on plastic surgery something to be proud of or worthy of promoting?

K-Pop: Under the Knife / 2020
#SouthKorea

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Ex-gangsters rush to accident scenes to save lives in El Salvador.

In violence-plagued El Salvador, where gang violence is pervasive, the Rescue Commandos bravely aid the wounded during shootings. Some of these selfless volunteers are even ex-gangsters. They venture into dangerous territories, disregarding the identity of those they assist, be it a civilian or a bandit, just prioritizing saving lives. What drives them to take such a life path?

Saviour St. / 2017
#ElSalvador

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Hind Othman is the first officially certified female bodyguard in Egypt. It hasn't been an easy road!

‘You’re a woman, you’re not fit for this job,’ people said. But she insisted on pursuing a profession in personal protection, breaking gender barriers. After years of hard work, she received international recognition. She ignored the criticism and skepticism around her competence and focused only on her training and goals.

Three exceptional women, Hind, Nadeszhda, and Aleksandra share their stories: why did they choose this career, and what did it take for them to succeed?

Can female bodyguards keep you safe?

I am a Female Bodyguard / 2021
#Russia #Egypt

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"Children, women, men, they all died because of Western aggression. And that's why I'm here to show you back home in the West the truth, not the lies of mainstream media," says journalist Tofurious Maximus Crane from the United States. A hundred years ago, his ancestors left Russia for the US. However, after visiting Donbass, the American journalist decided that he should return to his historic homeland. Tofurious visited Donetsk and Mariupol to shed light on what Western media carefully conceals – how each day the Ukrainian artillery shells the peaceful residents of Donbass.

Notes from an American in Donbass / 2023
#Russia

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"People ask me, Why does Japan allow its bases to be used by America, which dropped atom bombs on Japan? It's unthinkable!' They committed war crimes, killed civilians, and we forgave them. After that, I wonder why we should do America such favours?" says Mitsuhiro Kimura, leader of the Japanese political group Issuikai. Okinawa, Japan's southernmost prefecture, hosts more than 30 U.S. military bases, contaminating the island with toxic chemicals and noise pollution. Watch the documentary to see how locals strive to safeguard their homeland when their government hesitates to act.

Okinawa's US Shadow / 2023
#Japan

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Amidst the Covid lockdown, sex workers found themselves compelled to defy the law in order to earn a living.

The outbreak had a profound impact on the sex industry in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and other parts of the EU. Brothels were forced to close, leaving prostitutes among the pandemic's earliest victims. This crisis exposed the deep-rooted issues of widespread poverty and inadequate social support that women's rights advocates have long highlighted. Germany, where prostitution was legalized over a decade ago, experienced an unprecedented decline in the industry. Women's rights advocates argue that the crisis unveiled long-standing issues of widespread poverty and inadequate social support.

Red Lights Out / 2021
#Germany

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