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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Will border walls ever fulfil their intended purpose?

Donald Trump's 2016 promise to build a US-Mexico border wall ignited a fiery debate. Supporters saw it as a deterrent to illegal immigration, while opponents decried it as racist. This contentious issue shed light on the southern border, which separates both countries and families.

People living on both sides have their opinions. Arizona Border Recon, made up of ex-military and police volunteers, patrols in order to curb drug trafficking, while Border Angels aid in illegal crossings. Deported from the US, individuals face adaptation challenges in a crime-ridden Mexico, even including US veterans.

Most heartbreaking is the separation of children and aging parents, with no role in their lives across the border…

US & the Wall / 2017
#USA

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100 meters in 4 seconds – that's the incredible speed of the Akhal-Teke, as recorded by Guinness World Records.

These Turkmen horses are direct descendants of the first horse. Today, they constitute a rare and endangered breed, with fewer than 7,000 horses worldwide. However, their astonishing speed and stamina make the Akhal-Teke the best racers globally. During a rally from Ashgabat to Moscow, participants covered a 4,152-kilometer (2,580-mile) distance across the Karakum desert in 84 days. But what else makes these magnificent creatures priceless to their owners?

Akhal-Teke Horses: Heavenly Creatures / 2023
#Turkmenistan

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Once again Palestinians are facing existential threat as the conflict with Israel intensifies.

The struggle of Palestinians to regain their land and independence from Israel has persisted for over seventy years. Despite the 1948 UN partition plan granting them a state, full sovereignty has not been achieved.

Palestine is divided into Gaza and the West Bank, with illegal Israeli settlements encroaching on their territory. Israeli control dominates every aspect of Palestinian life, deciding who enters and leaves settlements. Historical events, such as the Balfour Declaration and Arab-Israeli wars, have shaped the current stalemate.

Seeking Recognition: Palestine / 2019
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'As far as the defence industry, I mean, they are happy to make money. They are happy. Any war is an opportunity for them to make more money,' says John Varoli, American journalist and analyst. Amid the military operations in Ukraine, the market value of major Western defence corporations increased by 21.5% in 2022. All these big companies continue to push the American government to have an offensive position on Ukraine, through intense lobbying. How high are they willing to raise the stakes in this major war game?

Red Alert: U.S. Defence Industry Bloody Business / 2023
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Omar endures a daily dance with death as he earns a living sorting garbage at a landfill full of toxic waste from hospitals.

He and many Bangladeshi people work barefoot facing health risks even before handling infectious COVID-related waste.

During the pandemic, global medical waste has surged by 40%, as reported by the WHO. Following the recommended mask usage of changing every two hours, an individual would consume nearly 1,500 masks per year. The same volume of hazardous medical waste is generated daily by clinics and hospitals. Proper disposal involves incineration, but there is a growing trend of illegal dumping in rivers, fields, and roadside dumpsters.

Despite the global health crisis, is there a way to make Omar's job safer?

Dangerous Garbage / 2023
#Bangladesh

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Does anyone know the successful formula for peace between Israel and Palestine?

Tami, Rami, and Adam are Israeli peace activists united by their unwavering commitment to reconciliation with the Palestinians.

Tami Cohen, an Israeli native, actively monitors checkpoints used by Palestinians working in Israel, challenging the mistreatment they endure. Rami Elhanan, a former soldier who tragically lost his daughter to a suicide bombing, collaborates with bereaved families to foster peace. Adam Keller, born into a family of activists, played a prominent role in the peace movement.

Peace Fighters / 2017
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If you live amidst Mortal Kombat-like violence, leading a normal life becomes a daunting struggle.

With dreams that transcend their circumstances, the students of Nashinavayan, a special school for the deaf and mute students in Afghanistan, are defying limitations. "I believe in my capabilities to become a skilled surgeon," says Mahtab, a 16-year-old aspiring doctor, who is a beacon of hope. Her passion for drawing empowers her to communicate her country's challenges to the world.

Despite facing obstacles and lacking a proper school building, these 26 determined boys and girls persevere, envisioning a prosperous Afghanistan and showcasing their resilience and inspiration.

Afghanistan’s Loud, Mute Voices / 2022
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Did you know that giant hamster rats can be lifesavers if trained properly?

Tanzanian NGO APOPO trains African giant pouched rats to detect explosives, aiding in landmine removal in countries like Vietnam, Laos, Angola, and Cambodia. These HeroRATs' keen sense of smell, intelligence, and quick learning make them invaluable.

Isaac, one of these rats, underwent training and now works in Cambodia, a country with frequent landmine accidents. Their work saves lives and allows for the reclamation of mine-free land.

Isaac. The Story of a Little Giant / 2017
#Tanzania

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Thousands of rubbish “miners” put their lives on the line in Guatemala City, where they endure floods and cartel violence.

In Central America’s biggest capital, Zone 3, dubbed Basurero or "dump," is known as the most dangerous quarter. It houses a vast landfill called "The Mine" where tons of garbage are deposited daily, alongside a crumbling graveyard.

Informal workers scavenge for reusable materials and scrap metal as vultures circle above. Despite the risks, the dump is the sole income source for many residents. The area is plagued by raw sewage and seasonal floods that trigger mudslides, burying people alive.

Adding to the peril, the Mara Salvatrucha gang has a presence in the dump, making it even more treacherous for collectors…

The Beast of Zone 3 / 2017
#Guatemala

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Thousands of Peru's indigenous women, who were forcibly sterilized in the 1990s, continue to seek justice to this day.

Approximately 315,000 individuals in Peru suffered from forced sterilization nearly 30 years ago. Despite official claims that the actions were voluntary, thousands of Peruvian women share a different account. These women, predominantly from peasant backgrounds, were forcibly abducted and subjected to surgeries where their fallopian tubes were tied. The physical and mental trauma they endured was immense.

Decades later, some of these women are still fighting for justice and redress, facing numerous challenges along the way.

Sterilised / 2017
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"First, a conflict is provoked and weapons flood in. And then it's resolved by pumping in dollars in tranches, loans, and what have you," says Yury Yudenkov, Associate Professor at Lomonosov Moscow State University. Prof. Yudenkov explains how the international financial system works and who benefits from it.

Raging wars in different parts of the world have become an inevitable tool for maintaining the stability of such a financial system. But is there a way out of the vicious circle of crises and violence?

Red Alert: End of the Dollar / 2023
#USA

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A harsh reality unfolds deep within the mine shafts of Congo where backbreaking work is the sole means of survival.

Here, cobalt ore is extracted by hand, a gruelling and health-damaging trade. This mineral is crucial for lithium-ion batteries in smartphones and laptops, and for transitioning to renewable energy.

Paradoxically, the miners themselves may never reap the benefits of their labor. Men endure long days extracting cobalt, while women and children wash and sort it. The earnings are barely enough for survival. Young men hope to earn enough for education, while single mothers risk their health for work.

Cobalt Hell / 2022
#Congo

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'Completing a task is the priority, there's no time to be afraid. Fear is there, but you feel some power that helps you further.' This is how Denis Chernyakov, a fourth-generation military officer, describes the most challenging moments on the frontlines. In a new episode of "Here and Now," Denis shares why he chose a military career and the most crucial factors necessary for accomplishing tasks in order to ensure a safe return from the hot zone.

Here and Now: Episode 3 / 2023
#Russia #Ukraine

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