Ashle Skaftouros is a phenomenon. After meeting the founder of Kangamama, you simply cannot forget her. She is the poster child of a beautiful African woman. Her a little crazy, a bit cheeky, but always inspiring attitude causes a shift in the atmosphere around her. At least, this is the impression I got when I first encountered her many years ago. She stood out as someone who was destined to make a difference in her world.

Twenty years ago, Zhang Yufen found out that her husband was having an affair – and divorced him. After that, Zhang became China’s first female private detective – usually tracking down wealthy men who cheat on their wives.

There’s no electricity and only 500 residents in the Congolese village of Makwatsha. But a longstanding painting tradition by the local women has fortuitously become a star attraction for Chinese tourists.

Eight-times European Champions and two-times World Champions: the fairytale of the German Women’s national team. Pioneer Anne Trabant, current international player Dzsenifer Marozsán and U17 European Champion Melissa Kössler tell us about their passion for the sport that was forbidden for women until 1970.

Ursula Wittekind didn’t come to Zanzibar for a holiday. She’s interested in environmental protection and renewable energies and chose to volunteer for an organization promoting renewable energies.

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28-year-old Julia Komp is a rising star in Germany’s culinary scene. She’s head chef of the restaurant in Loersfeld Castle – and the youngest German female chef to be awarded a Michelin star.

One in 10 jobs on the planet is linked to tourism, according to an industry body. Can tourism improve the living standards of women, or the environment? DW spoke to Jane Ashton, director of sustainability at TUI Group.