The BBC Media Action team in Afghanistan recently went on the road with their programme Open Jirga to hear about women’s hopes and fears for any peace deal between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Presenter Shazia Haya heard from the ambitious young women of Herat’s all-female robotics team, and from women in the Taliban heartland city of Kandahar who risked their lives to have their voices heart.

Baghdad's graffiti artists
A group of graffiti artists in the Iraqi capital Baghdad have been painting murals and portraits in poor, rundown areas of the city. The artworks feature famous people and local folk heroes, as BBC Arabic’s Haddad Salih explains.

Who is the new president of Tanzania?
President Samia Suluhu Hassan took office less than two months ago after the sudden death of her predecessor, John Magufuli. She has already shown a very different style of leadership. Zuhura Yunus of BBC Swahili introduces us to Tanzania's first female president.

Egypt's female folk singers
Folk music in Egypt has traditionally been the domain of men. But an all-female folk group called Tablet El Sitt, 'the woman's drum', is reviving old songs sung by and about women. Aya Hashim of BBC Arabic has been investigating.

A short walk in the Russian woods
Another chance to hear Oleg Boldyrev of BBC Russian enjoying last year's Spring lockdown in the company of fallen trees, fungi, and beaver dams.

Image: 'Open Jirga' presenter Shazia Haya with all female audience in Kandahar
Credit: BBC Media Action