The difficulties facing women seeking to break into Japan’s male-dominated political world have been underlined by two recent incidents that critics say demonstrate Abe’s ambivalence towards women’s empowerment.

A girl offers prayers inside a Buddhist temple on the occasion of Buddha Purnima festival, also known as Vesak Day, in Agartala, India, May 10, 2017.

In some Hindu communities, menstruating women are regarded as unclean.

Kashmir is a region of unmatched beauty. The valley’s breathtaking serenity attracts thousands of tourists every year. Saddeningly, it is also marred by frequent violence due to conflict and militancy.

Single mothers in Morocco still experience social discrimination today. They upset the traditional image of the nuclear family, although that has long since become outdated. The “Amal” project in Marrakesh supports theses mothers, who are often among the poorest members of society.

Insults, violence, attacks on refugee centres. Is this the answer of an enlightened, democratic society, shaped by human and humane values? Fereshta Ludin, high school teacher and former refugee, calls us all to account.

Pakistan Premierminister Imran Khan und Ehefrau Bushra Khan

As the world recently watched one of Pakistan’s most recognized faces, Imran Khan, taking oath as the nation’s 22^nd prime minister, it also saw a fully shrouded lady standing next to him holding a rosary in her hand. That was Bushra Khan, Imran Khan’s wife, who is now representing Pakistani women as their first lady.

In Bangladesh around 4.5 million children are working under hazardous conditions. Some 1.7 million of them live and work in the capital, Dhaka. DW correspondent Mustafiz Mamun has captured their every day lives on film.