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 Thailand by Chutima Treearayapong.

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 Egypt by Ahmed Mohamed.

A nation that can take pride in leading women in fields including politics, education and cyber security is ranked almost the worst for gender equality. DW’s head of Urdu, Kishwar Mustafa, explores this dilemma.

Christianity, Judaism, Islam: In all of these religions, women – some more, some less – cover their hair. What do these head coverings have in common? How do women view these religious strictures?

When I take a look around the world on “International Women’s Day” I am filled with horror.  Millions of my fellow women are fighting for sheer survival. Fighting for a life free from permanent violence, free from fear of their male surroundings. Fighting for an independent existence on a par with the male part of the population. And they are doing all this without much real hope of immediate success.

Five days ago, Sita Karki, 14, was forced into isolation in a filthy, dark and sweltering cattle shed about 10 minutes away from her home. The reason is that she is menstruating.

From early childhood, I thought that I had a clear idea of life in rural Bangladesh despite the fact that I lived in the port city of Chittagong. My family had strong bonds with small towns and villages and we spent a lot of time there, in the lush and beautiful greenness. When my father died, I realized that there were many hidden realities.