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 They upset the traditional image of the nuclear family, although that has long since become outdated.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.

In collaboration with EyeEm, DW invited photographers to share images that offer an insight into the lives of women around the world. This one was taken in Latvia by Zelma Brezinska.

Chetanbari’s barefoot auditor, Poonam Devi, 25, is always accessible for help and advice to the women in the village. (Credit: Ajitha Menon\WFS)

A lilting tribal tune catches the attention of the gaggle of women gathered at the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) center in Jidu Pandra village that falls in Ormanjhi block of Jharkhand’s Ranchi district. Almost at once, all eyes follow the sound that is coming from the farthest corner of  the room. As they keenly listen to the beautiful voice of Suman Devi, 25, singer and composer, gradually the Nagpuri lyrics explaining the ill-effects of child marriage start to sink in.

Barefoot Auditor Suman Devi, 25, who writes, composes and sings songs on health, sanitation and regressive social practices such as child marriage and dowry, takes pains to explain the importance of adequate nutrition for pregnant women. (Credit: Ajitha Menon\WFS)

When the melody comes to an end, in the ensuing stillness, Suman opens a discussion on healthcare for women and adolescents. How successful is this method?

Nearly 1.2 million people in Ethiopia are infected with the deadly Human Immunodeficiency Virus, also known as HIV. Women and young girls are particularly under threat because of social, political and economic discrimination. Women Talk Online reader Anne Marie Hankins stumbled across this piece of information when her co-passenger on a flight spoke about the plight of mothers in the African country.