Stories about Culture
Poetry as therapy: Hong Kong’s domestic workers muse about love and sacrifice
"Ingat", meaning “take care” in Tagalog, is a book featuring the work of dozens of domestic workers telling stories about family, hardship, love and sacrifice.
New song titled ‘Mom has a Secret’ features mothers from Russia who are anti-war activists
All of the women featured in the video for the song, as well as Monetochka herself, are mothers but also high profile activists who oppose the war and the regime.
Remembering the victims of nuclear weapons testing in the Marshall Islands
"Why was the most beautiful corner of the world, with the most beautiful and peaceful people, chosen for these horrific acts without our informed consent?"
The struggles of the Pattharkattas, Nepal’s invisible workforce
Today, an estimated 3,343 Pattharkattas living in Nepal struggling with dead-end jobs with no opportunity for growth or sustaining their livelihood. Their traditional identity and occupation are at stake.
Malaysian artists decry ‘Mentega Terbang’ film ban and blasphemy charge as ‘archaic form of content control’
"As a community that champions creative and artistic freedom, we must stand united in condemning any attempts to place undue restrictions on filmmakers or any artists."
The year Palestine ‘played mas’ in Trinidad & Tobago
Despite the fact that Trinidad and Tobago does not officially recognise the Palestinian state, support for Palestine has been building, eventually coming into full view during the country's Carnival celebrations.
Pakistan's post-election scramble: Coalitions and concerns
Following the swearing-in of the Pakistan National Assembly's elected representatives, political parties are actively forming alliances as they prepare to decide on the Prime Ministerial post soon.
Award-winning documentary ‘The Territory’ recounts the struggles and resilience of Indigenous Brazilians
The film recounts the struggle of the Indigenous Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau people, in Rondônia state in northern Brazil, to defend the territory against invasions from land grabbers and farmers.
Uzbekistan's recent anti-religious measures present a worrisome trend for its Muslims
This is not the first time Muslims in Uzbekistan, who make up 94 percent of the population, face persecution due to their beliefs.
‘Am Abgrund’: The story of Azerbaijan's influence in Europe
The movie, which exposes corruption both within Azerbaijan and in numerous European countries, comes at a time of deteriorating ties between Azerbaijan and the West.
Hong Kong: Annual prophesy says ‘all efforts will be in vain’ this year of the Dragon
Some prophecy interpreters refrained from presenting their readings to the public out of fear that negative comments on Hong Kong may cause trouble.
Music activism as a form of social resistance
Halldor Kristínarson runs a music journalism blog, Shouts - Music from the rooftops, that highlights underrepresented musicians and music activists from around the world.
Jamaican musicians and fans shocked at passing of soulful roots reggae singer ‘Peetah’ Morgan at age 46
The group became known globally as a “conscious” reggae band, with lyrics infused with social awareness backed by roots reggae rhythms.
Natural disasters in Mongolia grow worse and threaten the future of nomadic way of life
Although it is animals that die during dzud, these disasters affect the entire nation.
Photo essay: Communities still coping in the aftermath of Morocco earthquake
Months after Morocco’s catastrophic earthquake, thousands of people in the High Atlas Mountains remain homeless and vulnerable as they rebuild their lives ... a long road to recovery lies ahead."
Which local language is most widely spoken in Togo?
Officially, Togo has two national languages: Éwé and Kabyé. But neither of those is the language that's most widely spoken in the country.
Indonesian presidential winner charms youth vote with dances, TikTok, and cats
The winner of Indonesia's presidential election courted the archipelago's youth vote with catchy music, TikTok dances, and photos of cats. However, some aren't forgetting his previous human rights abuses.
One man is trying to save a language in Bangladesh with only six native speakers
Currently, only six people, all aged over 60, can speak the ethnic Renmingtca language well. If they die, the language and culture will be lost from Bangladesh.
Climate crisis ruins Himalayan pastoralists
Winter droughts and delayed snowfall are impeding grass regrowth in high-altitude grazing sites in Nepal's Eastern Rukum district, endangering the local sheep population and forcing shepherds to leave profession.
Overcoming the patriarchy in India's caste system: Minal's story
"I don't believe feminism should strive for matriarchy, which doesn't translate to equality, but for the equal acceptance of everyone as human beings, regardless of gender."
A deep dive into the musical repertoire of Turkmenistan’s national leader
A major part of Berdimukhamedov’s personality cult has been his musical career.