World in Progress

Global problems often need local solutions — but who can find them? In Congo, there has been low take-up for COVID vaccines but health workers and officials are fighting this. It is the poorest who are hit hardest by hyperinflation, but digital currency could help. Workers in Bangladesh hope a new German law can change working conditions. And in the Maldives, tourists are put off by mosquitoes.

A new EU regulation is supposed to limit European exports of surveillance technologies for nefarious reasons or to dictatorial regimes. But many contradictions remain, and critics fear European surveillance tools will continue to be used for purposes that violate human rights.

Many women across Africa shape protest movements and stand up for their rights: from descendants of Benin’s Amazon warriors, to activists fighting injustice and women promoting gender equality with political and poetic means.

On this week’s show, we get a rare glimpse behind the scenes of Myanmar’s notorious army, the Tatmadaw. Plus, insights from New Delhi on how India’s second wave spun out of control. And, the Amazigh women of Morocco have been getting facial tattoos for centuries. But is tradition about to die out?

How do communities around the world help empower and enable each other? In France, one group is helping migrants in the treacherous Alps, and a new report shows that there are more and more displaced people in the world. And in Africa, women are supporting each other: An NGO in Nigeria is helping deaf pregnant women while in Somalia new fitness and work opportunities for women are being embraced.

A new report shows that 40.5 million people were displaced last year alone. Around 75% were fleeing disasters and the effects of climate change, mostly weather-related. An interview with DW's environment reporter Ajit Niranjan who has been speaking to some of the people who have lost homes, family members or livelihoods because of disasters.

How are textile workers in Bangladesh faring who are unable to socially distance in their factories? We also hear how clean cooking stoves can help reduce the risk of lung diseases in Guatemala's poorer neighborhoods — that's more important than ever during the coronavirus pandemic.

As some countries have made remarkable strides in vaccinating their populations, the situation in India is looking grimmer by the day. The country now accounts for a third of global coronavirus infections and has surpassed the 20 million mark. We also hear how the Baka pygmies in Cameroon and migrants on the Canary Islands are coping with the pandemic.

This week we dive deep into outer space. Who owns space? Who owns mineral resources and water? The race is on — it's about big money, new business models and the future of our economy. And that of our environment. There are ideas of moving dirty industries to space, while our Earth would be reserved for clean living.

On this week's show, we hear from women in Morocco trying to give rape victims a voice. Plus, insights from Jan Kreutzberg of the German Foundation of World Population on the UN's latest report concerning COVID-19 and women's bodily autonomy. And then a look at how the pandemic has reshaped New York City, possibly for good.