Stories about Development from November, 2015
Bangladesh Keeps Blocking Social Media, Threatens New Surveillance Tactics

With the lack of accountability shown by the government, a move towards more stringent controls of the Internet is worrying for the state of free expression in the country.
When in Doubt, Ask Yourself ‘What Would the Tanzanian President Do?’
Tanzania's President John Magufuli's radical measures to save money have led to a humorous trending hashtag, #WhatWouldMagufuliDo.
Gambia's President Bans Female Genital Mutilation, but There's Still Much Work to Be Done
"Lost in all the celebrations...is the fact that FGM is not banned in The Gambia, at least not yet. There is no enforceable law on the books"
Commonwealth Youth Demand That Leaders Stop Talking and Act
The Commonwealth youth leaders meeting in Malta want their governments to walk the talk.
Molenbeek, the Complex Reality of a Community Vilified by the Media
In the heart of the Belgian capital lies Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, a low-income community with a connection to those suspected of carrying out the attacks on Paris and other acts of violence.
The Indian Sub-Continent’s Domestic Workers Deserve Much More Than This
Poor pay, lacking legal protections, abuse. That is the abysmal treatment that domestic workers often receive. But change is slowly but surely taking root, one house at a time.
Social Media Movements Encourage Indian Women to Wear Their Saree Proudly
From #100SareePact to #SareeNotSorry, Indian women are celebrating the traditional garment online.
A New Hashtag Battles the Hatred Between India and Pakistan With Love
"Let peace be spread everywhere...Long Live Peace...Long live peace lover of both countries...."
Meet Three Activists From North Africa Taking on Climate Change
In between the rising sea and encroaching desertification, North Africa finds itself in a precarious situation. Here is how three young activists are taking on climate change.
Bhutan's Legendary Fourth King Turns 60
"Thank you Your Majesty,.... For being the role model with the hallmark of simplicity For being a far sighted and visionary leader"
These Paintings Depict the Indigenous Peoples’ Struggle Against Exploitation in the Philippines
The Philippines has an estimated 14 million indigenous peoples. The majority are living in remote villages threatened by destructive mining, development aggression, and militarization.
Iran to Provide Universal Public Healthcare to Refugees
Iran's Afghan refugee population nears 1 million, with an additional estimated 1.4 to 2 million unregistered refugees living and working in the country.
How Successful Was Ghana's #DumsorMustStop Vigil?
How do you define the success of a mass protest?
The Sorry State of Indian Railways
"Life in India doesn't stop for a train journey, it invades it. The train is a meeting place, a marketplace, a hotel and a restaurant."