The charge is linked to provisions in Cuba’s penal code that criminalise actions deemed to undermine the state’s constitutional system. Authorities have not publicly detailed the specific content or actions that led to the decision, but both individuals are known online for sharing commentary critical of official policies and the country’s political direction.

Human rights organisations have described the move as part of an escalating pattern of legal action against activists, journalists and digital content creators in recent years. Cuban officials, however, have consistently defended the application of such laws as necessary to protect national sovereignty and public order.

The case comes at a time of heightened economic strain and social tension on the island, with dissent increasingly expressed through social media platforms. The decision to impose provisional detention means both influencers will remain in custody while investigations continue and the legal process moves forward.

Mange Kimambi, Tanzania

The US-based Tanzanian activist became one of the most influential and controversial voices who challenged President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government. Using her massive social media following, Kimambi mobilised protests against alleged human rights abuses and election irregularities. Her activism drew international attention, but also criminal charges in Tanzania. Her activism against the ruling government began long before the elections. Consequently, her Instagram page with millions of followers was deactivated. Without the effort of Mange Kimambi, the international community would not have known about the post-election unrest and killings in Tanzania.  

Truphena Muthoni, Kenya

Kenya’s climate movement gained global visibility after Muthoni broke her own record by hugging a tree for 72 hours in a peaceful protest against deforestation and climate inaction. Her act, carried out in Nyeri, resonated far beyond Kenya and emphasised how non-violent protest can cut through political divisions.  

Ahmed al-Ahmed, Australia

Now popularly known as the ‘Bondi Hero,’ a fruit seller in Sydney, al-Ahmed became an unlikely activist after tackling and disarming a gunman during a deadly attack at Bondi Beach. Though not a campaigner in the traditional sense, his actions generated a global conversation about courage. He was widely praised for embodying community resistance to extremism.

Greta Thunberg, Sweden

In 2025, amongst many other activists, 22-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg shifted much of her focus to pro-Palestinian activism, taking part in aid flotillas bound for Gaza and leading protests in London against companies linked to Israel. Her involvement led to arrests under the UK Terrorism Act in December, after which she was released on bail and is expected to appear in court in 2026.

Malala Yousafzai

The 27-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai launched her new memoir, Finding My Way, in which she reflects on personal growth beyond her years of activism, exploring themes of friendship, identity and finding a sense of normalcy. Alongside the book, she continued her global advocacy through the Malala Fund, championing girls’ education, and expanded into sports investment with her venture Recess, linking education and empowerment through sport. Malala also returned to her hometown in Shangla, Pakistan, for the first time in 13 years, visiting family and reaffirming her commitment to her country.

Despite persistent and systemic challenges, 2025 has delivered meaningful victories in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) across the Global South.

Landmark legal reforms, policy shifts, regional coordination, and grassroots wins have shown that sustained advocacy and political pressure continue to yield results.

South Africa

Gender-based Violence elevated to a national emergency

In November 2025, South Africa reached a critical policy milestone when the government formally declared gender-based violence a national disaster .

The immediate catalyst was mass mobilisation in the lead-up to the G20. Women For Change coordinated a nationwide “Women’s Shutdown,” including silent lie-down protests, deliberately timed to coincide with heightened international attention.

The action amplified domestic demands while placing South Africa’s GBV crisis squarely under global scrutiny, increasing political pressure on the state to respond decisively.

This declaration means gender-based violence issues are formally recognised as a cross-government priority. Greater public accountability for the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBV and Femicide, which says governments and society that respond to GBV issues have strengthened accountability and bold leadership.

Over one in three women in South Africa have experienced physical violence at some point in their lives, while nearly one in ten have been subjected to sexual violence, figures that translate into millions of women navigating daily life under the persistent threat of harm within their homes and communities.

Brazil:

Strengthened Legal Protections for Survivors

Brazil’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has signed a new law aimed at strengthening protections for women facing gender-based violence, a response to public anger over record levels of violence and a series of high-profile cases that sparked demonstrations across the country.

The law enhances judicial powers to protect victims by allowing judges to suspend or restrict an alleged abuser’s access to firearms, remove them from the victim’s home and impose no-contact orders. It also requires offenders subject to protective measures to wear ankle monitors, with associated technology to notify victims if the offender approaches.

In addition, the legislation increases maximum sentences for the rape of children under 14 and substantially raises penalties where a child is raped and killed.

Feminist activists have welcomed the measures as positive but have emphasised the need for greater funding for prevention, support services, and broader systemic and cultural change to reduce violence.

Kenya

Historic State Compensation for Survivors of Sexual Violence

In 2025, Kenya marked a historic breakthrough for gender-based violence accountability by issuing its first-ever state compensation to survivors of conflict-related sexual violence linked to the 2007–2008 post-election crisis.

Following a landmark High Court ruling, the government paid a compensation of 16 million Kenyan shillings (approx. USD $124,000) to survivors who had waited more than a decade for recognition and redress, signalling an important, if overdue, acknowledgement of state responsibility.

While the payments covered only part of what survivors are owed and excluded those harmed by non-state actors, the move set a powerful precedent: sexual violence in times of political crisis is a matter of state accountability, not private suffering.

Civil society organisations framed the moment as a partial but critical victory, renewing calls for a comprehensive national reparations framework, full implementation of victim protection laws, and broader compensation for survivors across regions and periods.

India

Expanded survivor support and digital safety measures

In 2025, India strengthened its institutional response to gender-based violence through the nationwide expansion of One-Stop Centres under the Mission Shakti framework. With more than 800 centres now operational across states and union territories, survivors of violence can access medical care, legal aid, psychosocial counselling, police support and temporary shelter through a single, coordinated entry point.

The scale-up reflects sustained advocacy for survivor-centred services that reduce fragmentation and barriers to justice. Fully funded by the central government and implemented at the state level, the centres also benefit from targeted capacity-building for frontline staff to improve case management and survivor care.

While gaps in access and quality remain, the expansion represents a significant structural win for GBV activism, embedding survivor support more firmly within public service delivery across the Global South.

Drawing directly from her experience as a chronic patient, Martínez argues that Mexico must establish a regulated framework for euthanasia and assisted suicide for adults facing terminal, degenerative, or irreversible illnesses. She explains that the draft legislation “specifies to legalise and decriminalise euthanasia for people over 18 years of age who have an incurable, chronic, degenerative, or terminal stage disease, or some disabling or health-threatening condition.” The proposal also prioritises medical verification and patient autonomy, requiring confirmation from two doctors and repeated consent from the applicant.

Martínez’s advocacy reflects the profound physical and emotional toll of her condition. She undergoes long and demanding hemodialysis sessions due to chronic renal failure, further complicated by lupus. For her, the push for legislative reform is deeply personal, grounded in what she sees as a fundamental right to self-determination: “When such a strong disease comes into your life and after many years of battling it, I think it is dignified to empower yourself over your own death,” she says.

On 28 October, Martínez presented the Ley Trasciende proposal before Mexico’s Senate, noting broad openness across parliamentary groups and meetings with health committees aimed at securing a public debate in the next legislative period. While Mexico currently criminalises assisted death as “homicide out of pity”, the growing visibility of cases like hers is reshaping public discussion over whether the country should allow patients living with irreversible suffering to choose a dignified end to life.

Uganda’s political opposition is undergoing a notable transformation , with analysts questioning whether the current leadership prioritises political ideals or personal business interests. This debate has grown louder as several opposition figures have been accused of focusing on commercial ventures rather than grassroots mobilisation. Critics argue that the opposition’s evolving character risks weakening checks on President Yoweri Museveni’s long-standing administration, while others contend it reflects a strategic adaptation to a changing economic and political reality.

Uganda’s new political darling is born in Luzzi’s unfiltered truth

As Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, continues to draw both fervent support and criticism, a new political voice is emerging in Luzzi’s candid and unapologetic commentary. Luzzi’s rise — framed as a rejection of “performance politics” — has resonated with a younger audience disillusioned by both government and traditional opposition figures. Political observers describe this as a potential generational shift, marking the birth of a new populist style grounded in plain-spoken authenticity rather than celebrity charisma.

The Observer vindicated as Katuntu backs Museveni

In a turn that has stirred Uganda’s political debate , seasoned politician Abdu Katuntu has publicly expressed support for President Museveni, a move that many see as validating earlier reports by The Observer newspaper. The publication had previously suggested Katuntu’s growing alignment with the ruling party, a claim dismissed at the time by some opposition circles. His endorsement now appears to confirm the steady consolidation of the ruling National Resistance Movement’s influence, even among former critics.

Police warn NUP supporters over escalating attacks on officers amid campaign tensions

Ugandan police have issued a strong warning to members of the National Unity Platform (NUP) following reports of assaults on law enforcement personnel during campaign activities. Authorities say several officers were injured in clashes linked to rallies in central districts. The police statement emphasised that such acts will be met with firm legal action, while NUP officials have accused security forces of provocation and heavy-handedness. The incident highlights the mounting tension as Uganda inches closer to the next electoral cycle.

Following the interception, Celeste and other members of the flotilla were detained and transferred to Ktzi’ot Prison, a high-security facility in the Negev Desert. She was held there from October 3rd to 7th, without formal charges, under conditions she later described as inhumane. During her detention, the group was denied access to lawyers, personal belongings, and contact with their families.

On October 8th, Celeste Fierro arrived back in Buenos Aires after being deported from Israel. Upon her return, she publicly denounced the lack of diplomatic action from President Javier Milei’s government , stating that there was no effort to protect the Argentine delegation or accelerate their release.

Fierro’s accusations also point to a broader political alignment. Since taking office, President Milei has strengthened ties with the Israeli government, moving Argentina’s foreign policy sharply toward unconditional support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has visited Israel, announced plans to relocate Argentina’s embassy to Jerusalem, and repeatedly framed Israel’s military actions as “a defence of Western civilisation.” This alignment has translated into diplomatic silence in the face of Israeli violations of international law and human rights.

The Global Sumud Flotilla—whose name means steadfastness in Arabic—brought together activists, parliamentarians, and human-rights defenders from around the world to break the maritime blockade of Gaza and call for accountability. 

While their mission was violently repressed, it reignited international attention on the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and exposed the complicity of governments that remain silent.

The opinions and thoughts expressed in this article reflect only the author's views.

Celeste Fierro is a politician and activist from Argentina. Between 2023 and 2024, she served in the legislature of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA) as part of a rotation of positions by the Workers' Left Front. She participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which aimed to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip. On October 1, 2025, she was taken into custody when Israeli forces attacked the Flotilla. She was released a few days later.

In a dramatic political turn, Sher Bahadur Deuba has stepped down as president of the Nepali Congress, following mounting pressure from a series of Gen Z-led protests demanding generational leadership change. The protests, fueled by frustrations over corruption, unemployment, and political stagnation, have transformed into a national conversation about accountability and renewal. Deuba’s resignation marks a pivotal moment for Nepal’s oldest political party, which now faces the task of rejuvenating its leadership structure. Analysts believe this shift could signal a broader realignment in Nepalese politics as younger voices push for reform and inclusivity in governance.

Ten petitions challenge Sushila Karki’s premiership and House dissolution

The Supreme Court of Nepal is currently reviewing ten separate petitions challenging both Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s authority and the recent dissolution of the House of Representatives. Petitioners argue that the move violates the constitutional separation of powers and undermines democratic principles. The controversy has reignited debates over Nepal’s fragile parliamentary structure and the balance between executive and judicial authority. Legal experts warn that the case’s outcome could set a lasting precedent for the interpretation of constitutional powers. The hearings have attracted widespread public attention, with civic groups calling for transparency and adherence to democratic norms.

Madhesh Chief Minister Singh resigns amid political turmoil

Madhesh Province Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Singh has officially resigned , citing internal party divisions and mounting political instability within the provincial government. His departure comes amid broader unrest across provincial administrations grappling with incomplete devolution and unresolved constitutional ambiguities. Political observers say Singh’s resignation underscores the ongoing challenges of implementing federalism in Nepal, particularly in regions where ethnic and political identities intersect. The resignation has triggered uncertainty about the next provincial leadership, raising questions about governance continuity and accountability in Madhesh.

Unfinished federalism continues to strain Madhesh Province

The political developments in Madhesh have once again spotlighted Nepal’s unfinished federal experiment, which remains fraught with administrative and constitutional complications. Local leaders complain that the federal structure, while promising greater autonomy, has yet to deliver tangible benefits due to unclear division of powers and financial constraints. Many citizens express frustration over inadequate local services and bureaucratic inefficiency. Scholars argue that until fiscal federalism and administrative autonomy are properly enforced, provinces like Madhesh will continue to experience governance paralysis and civic disillusionment.

Khadka appointed acting president of Nepali Congress after leadership shake-up

Following Sher Bahadur Deuba’s resignation, Purna Bahadur Khadka has been appointed acting president of the Nepali Congress. The decision, endorsed by the party’s central committee, is seen as an interim measure aimed at stabilising internal dynamics. Khadka has pledged to rebuild trust among members and restore public confidence in the party’s reform agenda. His leadership will be tested as the Congress navigates multiple crises, including legal battles over the dissolved parliament and growing competition from newer political movements energised by youth activism and anti-establishment sentiment.

Russia has expressed its willingness to support Morocco’s autonomy plan for the Western Sahara, signalling a notable diplomatic shift that could influence the long-standing regional dispute. Moscow stated that it views Morocco’s proposal as “a realistic framework” for resolving tensions, though it emphasised that any support would be contingent on adherence to UN resolutions and respect for all involved parties. This development is particularly significant as it aligns Russia closer to the growing list of countries endorsing Morocco’s autonomy vision, which positions Western Sahara as part of the Kingdom under a degree of self-governance. The move has been welcomed in Rabat as a sign of increasing international recognition of Morocco’s stance, potentially reshaping alliances within North Africa and the broader Sahel region.

Senegal reaffirms strong support for Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan

Senegal has once again reaffirmed its support for Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan, underscoring the deep and enduring diplomatic relationship between Dakar and Rabat. Senegal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Morocco’s plan as “credible and serious,” reflecting the country’s consistent position in favour of territorial integrity and stability in the Maghreb. Analysts note that Senegal’s stance is not merely symbolic; it highlights a broader African consensus emerging around Morocco’s approach, particularly as more nations withdraw recognition of the Polisario Front. The reaffirmation also reinforces Morocco’s growing diplomatic influence across sub-Saharan Africa, strengthening its position as a continental leader advocating pragmatic solutions to long-standing conflicts.

How Moroccan Gen Z is reshaping politics from streets to screens

In a vivid reflection of modern political engagement, Morocco’s Generation Z is reshaping activism through both street demonstrations and digital campaigns. Movements such as GenZ 212 have leveraged social media platforms to mobilise support, voice discontent, and demand structural reform on issues ranging from unemployment to corruption. This new wave of activism combines online visibility with physical protests, marking a generational shift from traditional political engagement to dynamic, tech-driven advocacy. Political analysts argue that Gen Z’s assertiveness could become a catalyst for deeper democratisation, compelling institutions to adapt to a more transparent and participatory governance model.

Morocco promises stronger anti-corruption measures under youth pressure

Facing sustained pressure from youth-led demonstrations, the Moroccan government has vowed to intensify its fight against corruption. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch’s administration announced new transparency initiatives and public accountability mechanisms aimed at restoring public trust. Protesters, particularly from the Gen Z movement, have accused political elites of inertia and demanded institutional reform. The government’s commitment includes reinforcing judicial independence and implementing stricter monitoring of public funds. Observers believe that while the announcement is a step forward, the success of these measures will depend on consistent enforcement and the empowerment of civil oversight bodies.

Amal Seghrouchni challenges international perceptions of Morocco’s anti-corruption progress

Amal Seghrouchni, a prominent member of Morocco’s National Commission for Integrity and Anti-Corruption, has criticised international indexes for failing to accurately reflect Morocco’s ongoing efforts to curb corruption. Speaking at a policy forum, she argued that many assessments overlook domestic reforms and progress achieved in governance transparency, data access, and judicial reform. Seghrouchni called for international evaluation mechanisms that incorporate local realities rather than rely solely on perception-based metrics. Her remarks have reignited debate over how anti-corruption success should be measured globally, and how countries like Morocco can ensure fair representation in global governance rankings.

A spokesperson for the Left and Workers’ Front (FIT-U), the political movement to which Fierro and Peressini belong, confirmed that the two will land in Buenos Aires on Wednesday evening, while Bertola is expected to arrive early Thursday morning. Another Argentine participant, Nicolás Calabrese, who has lived in Brazil for a decade, was released earlier over the weekend and has already returned to São Paulo, where he denounced “humiliations and poor conditions” during his detention.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, led by Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg, carried over 400 participants from more than 50 countries aboard 42 vessels with humanitarian aid for Gaza. The flotilla, which sought to break the blockade of the enclave, was intercepted by Israeli forces between Thursday and Friday. More than 300 activists have since been released and deported.

The flotilla’s legal team has accused Israel of “serious abuses” against the detainees, despite the Israeli Foreign Ministry maintaining that “all legal rights were fully respected.” Relatives of the Argentine activists held a press conference in Buenos Aires on Monday, calling for their immediate release and condemning the treatment of those held in custody.

The underlying story involves tradition, changing attitudes, public health, and activist pressure.

Historically, dog meat has been consumed in certain cultures as a source of protein, in ritual contexts, or out of necessity. Today, it persists in Cambodia, China, parts of Northeastern India, Indonesia, Ghana, Laos, Nigeria, South Korea, Switzerland, and Vietnam.

China is often cited as the largest consumer. Although precise numbers are elusive, some estimates place dog slaughter in the tens of millions annually.

In response to global outrage and local activism, cities such as Shenzhen and Zhuhai banned dog (and cat) meat trading in 2020, and China’s Ministry of Agriculture has since reclassified dogs as companion animals rather than livestock.

Vietnam is another notable example—with millions of dogs reportedly processed annually for consumption, often under conditions that raise serious animal welfare and safety concerns.

In South Korea, a long-standing cultural practice is in the process of fading. In January 2024, the Korean National Assembly unanimously passed legislation to ban dog meat production and sale by 2027, giving farmers and traders a transition window.

In Indonesia, although Muslim dietary laws generally regard dog meat as forbidden (haram), it remains in use among certain ethnic groups and regions. Welfare groups estimate that over 1 million dogs per year may be slaughtered in Indonesia for consumption. On Bali alone, 60,000 to 70,000 dogs are reportedly killed annually.

Ghana is among the African nations where dog meat consumption has cultural and ritual significance. Ethnic groups such as the Tallensi, Akyims, Kokis, and Yaakuma have long histories of consuming dog meat.

However, the global momentum appears to be shifting. International pressure, rising awareness of animal welfare, health risks (such as parasites, bacterial infections, and contamination), and changing generational attitudes are all contributing to a decline in the practice.

Thunberg was among activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which said it was attempting to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. The group warned earlier that it was sailing into a “high-risk area” about 150 nautical miles off Gaza before contact was lost.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned Israel ’s interception of the flotilla, calling it a “violation of international law” and urging international pressure for the release of those detained.

Israel, however, described the mission as a “political provocation”, defending the blockade as lawful under international maritime rules and claiming some participants had ties to Hamas, an accusation the organisers strongly denied.

Flotilla missions have repeatedly tried to challenge Israel’s naval blockade since 2008. Most have been intercepted, including the 2010 Mavi Marmara raid, in which ten Turkish activists were killed by Israeli commandos, sparking global outcry. 

Burkina Faso declared UN Resident Coordinator Carol Flore-Smereczniak persona non grata, denouncing a UN report on children in armed conflict as “unfounded” and biased. The government accused the report’s authors of equating its security forces with terrorists and said national authorities were excluded from the process.

️ Four ISIS attacks in Burkina Faso within 24 hours

Between August 16–17, 2025, ISIS launched a wave of coordinated attacks in northern Burkina Faso, ambushing pro-army forces, striking villages near Gorom-Gorom, and hitting an army convoy on the Sebba–Dori road. The assaults left heavy casualties and highlighted ISIS’s aim to cripple army logistics and control key transport routes.

Burkina receives activist Alino Faso’s remains

The remains of Burkinabe activist Alain Christophe Traoré, known as Alino Faso, who died in disputed circumstances in an Abidjan prison, arrived in Ouagadougou on Monday. Officials, family, and civil society received his coffin in a solemn ceremony, after weeks of public outcry rejecting the Ivorian suicide ruling and demanding repatriation.

Burkina Faso enacts territorial reorganisation by decree

Burkina Faso now counts 17 regions, 47 provinces, and 350 departments, with 13 regions and five provinces renamed. The changes were formalised by two decrees issued by President Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

Ghana’s defence and environment ministers die in military helicopter crash

Ghana’s Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed died in an August 6 crash of a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter travelling from Accra to Obuasi. Read more here .

Mission 300: The bold plan to bring power to half of Africa by 2030

Nearly 600 million Africans live without electricity—more than the populations of the U.S., Canada, and Brazil combined. The African Development Bank and the World Bank’s Mission 300 aims to connect 300 million people by 2030, linking half of unserved communities to the grid within five years. Read more here .

What should US deportees expect from Rwanda?

Rwanda will take in 250 immigrants deported from the US, becoming the third African nation after Eswatini and South Sudan to accept such arrivals. The country has struggled to secure similar migration deals. Read more here .

Latin America

Brazil's Bolsonaro arrested, adding to tensions with Trump

Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest before his coup plot trial, citing violations of prior restraining orders and alleged attempts to involve U.S. President Donald Trump. Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued the order despite recent U.S. sanctions against him. Read more here .

Sarah Sanabria: Humour, activism, and journalism in the digital age

Bolivian journalist Sarah Sanabria, with degrees in communication, journalism, and audiovisual production, has built a following on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube by mixing humour with sharp political critique, carving out a unique space beyond traditional media. Read more here .

Oil find could bring $$$ for BP and $ for Brazil but what will it cost the planet?

BP has announced its largest oil and gas discovery since 1999, uncovering the Bumerangue field off Brazil. The find could boost its fossil fuel portfolio and mark a shift away from renewable energy investments. Read more here .

Hong Kong hit by heaviest August rainfall since 1884

On August 5, Hong Kong saw its fourth top-tier rainstorm warning in just over a week, with over 355 mm of rain—the highest August daily total since 1884—causing severe flooding and shutting hospitals, schools, and courts. Read more here .

Indonesia warns ban of ‘One Piece’ flag, seen as symbol of protest vs President Prabowo

Indonesia is restricting public displays of the One Piece “Jolly Roger” flag, which has become a symbol of dissent against President Prabowo Subianto. Authorities warn it must not be flown alongside the national flag. Read more here .

Inside India’s temple ritual, where priests smash coconuts on worshippers’ heads for blessings

For generations, thousands have travelled to Mahanadapuram Temple from across southern India to fulfil vows and seek blessings. Locals say the tradition, often tied to personal milestones, deepens their connection to the deity. Read more here .

“Satire isn’t complicated”, she says. “You just put reality out there, what’s funny is the truth”. This approach has allowed her to engage with thousands, tackling issues of human rights, politics , and social inequality with a unique blend of wit and analysis.

Her path, however, has not been without obstacles. As a trans woman with a distinct voice and style, Sarah has faced bullying and exclusion, both online and in professional spaces. Instead of silencing her, these experiences pushed her to turn vulnerability into strength, using humor and activism as tools of resistance.

For Sanabria, activism is inseparable from journalism. For eight years, she has campaigned for LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and broader human rights causes. Beyond raising awareness online, she believes in “ground-level activism”, what she calls “ant work” — helping people directly and pushing for change from the grassroots up.

Despite barriers in traditional media — which she argues often favor narrow, Eurocentric standards — Sanabria has embraced social platforms as tools for democratizing journalism. “If people demand it, you have to adapt”, she says. “No social network is bad; they’re just new spaces to tell stories”.

Now, she aims to consolidate her voice as a satirical journalist and activist who challenges the status quo while empowering others to see the world differently.

Among the laureates, 65 women have steadily carved their place in history and overcome significant barriers of gender inequality, systemic bias, and lack of opportunity against the contrast of 904 men laureates. Their stories and nationalities reflect broader social shifts and global progress in the inclusion of women in science, literature, and activism.

The first woman to receive a Nobel Prize was Marie Curie in 1903. She was honoured in Physics alongside her husband Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel for their work on radioactivity. Remarkably, she remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different sciences—she won the Chemistry Prize in 1911 for her discovery of radium and polonium.

Since then, over 60 women have been awarded Nobel Prizes (as of 2024), with representation across all categories.

Peace (19 women winners)

The Peace Prize has historically had the highest female representation. Notable winners include:

Bertha von Suttner (Austria-Hungary) – 1905, the first woman to win the Peace Prize.

Mother Teresa (India) – 1979, for her humanitarian work.

Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan) – 2014, youngest laureate ever, honoured for advocacy of girls' education.

Literature (17 women winners)

Female voices have also resonated in the world of literature:

Selma Lagerlöf (Sweden) – 1909, first female Literature laureate.

Toni Morrison (USA) – 1993, a literary icon addressing African-American life and culture.

Olga Tokarczuk (Poland) – 2018, awarded for a "narrative imagination that represents the crossing of boundaries."

Medicine (13 women winners)

Women in medical science have received increasing recognition, such as:

Barbara McClintock (USA) – 1983, for her work in genetics.

Tu Youyou (China) – 2015, for discovering artemisinin, a breakthrough in malaria treatment.

Chemistry (8 women winners)

Aside from Marie Curie, recent milestones include:

Emmanuelle Charpentier (France) and Jennifer Doudna (USA) – 2020, for developing CRISPR gene-editing technology.

Physics (5 women winners)

Still a highly male-dominated field, but progress continues:

Donna Strickland (Canada) – 2018, third woman after Curie and Maria Goeppert-Mayer to win.

Andrea Ghez (USA) – 2020, for discoveries related to black holes.

Economic Sciences (3 women winners)

A relatively new category (established in 1969), with few female laureates:

Elinor Ostrom (USA) – 2009, the first woman to win in Economics.

Claudia Goldin (USA) – 2023, for advancing understanding of women’s labour market outcomes.

Where do they come from?

While women laureates come from a range of countries, several regions dominate:

The United States is the most represented country in terms of science and economics.

Europe: Countries like France, Germany, Sweden, and the UK have produced numerous female laureates.

Asia: India, China, Japan, Iran, and Pakistan have seen laureates mostly in Peace and Medicine.

Africa and Latin America: Representation has been limited but notable, such as Wangari Maathai (Kenya)—the first African woman to win the Peace Prize in 2004.

Here's a breakdown of when women were allowed to vote around the world:

Early Adopters

- New Zealand (1893): Led by suffrage activist Kate Sheppard, New Zealand became the first country to grant women the right to vote .

- Australia (1902) : Australia followed suit, with the Commonwealth Franchise Act granting voting rights to all Australian women.

- Finland (1906) : Finland became the first European country to grant women the right to vote.

Post-WWII Advancements

- United States (1920) : The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted American women the right to vote, although this right was initially limited to white women.

- Canada (1917) : Women in Canada gained the right to vote, except Indigenous Canadians.

- United Kingdom (1918) : Women over 30 were granted the right to vote, with full universal suffrage coming in 1928.

Mid-20th Century Progress

- France (1944) : Women in France gained the right to vote after World War II.

- Italy (1945) : Italy granted women the right to vote, with women participating in national elections for the first time in 1946.

- Japan (1945) : Japan granted women the right to vote, with over 13 million women voting in the first post-war election.

Late Bloomers

- Switzerland (1971) : Switzerland was one of the last European countries to grant women the right to vote.

- Iraq (1980) : Iraq granted women the right to vote, although women's rights have been restricted in recent years.

- Namibia (1989) : Namibia granted women the right to vote, with women now holding 44% of political seats in the country.

Michel Platini, a prominent LGBTQ+ rights activist and head of a rights group in Brasilia, highlighted the harmful impact of Trump's statements. “What Trump said carries a pedagogical narrative. His words reach people, and they have a significant impact,” Platini stated.

“The discourse of hate doesn't end when he stops speaking; it leaves a profound and lasting effect on society. In this particular case, its repercussions are felt worldwide,” he told the AFP.

Platini further warned about the increase in violence against the LGBTQ+ community linked to such rhetoric. “The greatest setback we see when this discourse is voiced is the rise in violence against the community, particularly the increase in deaths,” he said.

Fainny Mendes, a member of the LGBTQ+ rights group, shared similar concerns, emphasizing the potential ripple effects in Brazil. “This setback happening in the United States will have repercussions here in Brazil,” Mendes warned. “It will give a voice to the fascists, to those who want regression and who want the trans community to be erased from our society.”

Cristiany Beatriz, a representative from Rede Trans Brasil NGO, voiced solidarity with LGBTQ+ individuals in the U.S., particularly trans and cross-dresser populations facing discrimination. “We are here in front of the US embassy in solidarity with the entire LGBTQ+ population, especially the trans and cross-dresser population, which is experiencing a setback with the new government,” Beatriz said.

Among other measures targeting the community, Trump announced that the federal government would cease funding, supporting, or promoting gender transitions, also known as gender-affirming care, for individuals under 19.

HRW's Asian Director, Elaine Pearson, during a press conference in Thailand, emphasised that governments around the world are intensifying their crackdowns on political opponents, activists, and journalists.

The report documents numerous instances of arbitrary arrests, wrongful imprisonments, and unlawful killings by both state and non-state actors.

"I think the sort of democratic backsliding, the weakening of democratic institutions, the fact that in countries from Pakistan to Cambodia, we've seen political opponents hounded into exile, imprisoned. Here in Thailand, obviously, you had the Move Forward Party dissolved by the Constitutional Court. Civil society is really under siege everywhere," Elaine said.

One of the most alarming examples highlighted in the report is Yemen, where warring parties, particularly the Houthis, have further repressed civil society and obstructed humanitarian aid.

The Houthis have arbitrarily detained and disappeared dozens of United Nations and civil society staff, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Tsehai's abduction sent shockwaves through the human rights community, with many condemning the incident and calling for her immediate release.

Her disappearance was met with widespread concern, given Tanzania's history of suppressing dissent and targeting government critics.

In her first public statement since the abduction, Tsehai recounted her traumatic experience, highlighting the need for greater protection and support for human rights defenders in the region. Her bravery and resilience in the face of adversity serve as a testament to her unwavering commitment to social justice.

"Basically, we're invisible," said Michaël Arnaud, executive director of Égides, a Montreal-based alliance supporting LGBTQ+ rights in francophone regions. 

Arnaud highlighted how limited funding and barriers to international advocacy disadvantage these organisations compared to their Anglophone counterparts. 

Activists like Patrick Fotso of Alcondoms Cameroun, a sexual health clinic and LGBTQ+ advocacy centre, emphasise the disparity in resources. "There is no balance," Fotso said, noting that HIV-related projects often overshadow critical human rights work due to better funding availability.

The challenges are compounded by the distinct socio-political landscapes of francophone countries, where issues often revolve around freedom of expression and assembly rather than explicit criminalisation. Activist Caroline Kouassiaman of the Sankofa Initiative for West Africa explained that francophone countries face heightened instability due to factors such as political coups and terrorist activity. "The majority of countries that are in crisis... are francophone," she said, emphasising the risks activists face in such volatile environments.

A report by the Global Philanthropy Project found that between 2013 and 2020, only 1% of global LGBTQ+ funding was allocated to francophone countries, leaving many grassroots organisations struggling to address systemic repression.

Advocates warn that the lack of support could lead to worsening repression, as seen in Anglophone countries with draconian anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Kouassiaman stressed the urgency for allies like Canada to push for inclusive policies within la Francophonie, a global organisation of French-speaking nations. 

"This leadership role is really important," she said, urging Canada to rally European partners to invest in LGBTQ+ movements and prevent further erosion of rights in francophone Africa.

As a member of the 'comanditos,' he documented tally sheets released by the opposition, which claimed a landslide victory for Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. "

This tally sheet was not made by me at home; it was issued by the supposedly protected system of the National Electoral Council," says the 61-year-old man, whose name has been changed for security reasons.

Willie Oeba, a 30-year-old spoken word artist, has turned to public buses, or matatus, to continue the fight for accountability and civic education. As protesters retreat in the wake of police brutality that claimed over 60 lives, Oeba continues to use his art to fuel the cause.

“We’ve had a massive impact," says Oeba. "Our civic education is not only confined to the matatus, we also shoot and share online, sparking conversations about accountability and mobilising artists, lawyers, and doctors to educate citizens on the importance of active participation,” he told AFP.

Oeba’s work comes as a response to the June protests that called out government corruption and unfulfilled promises, with matatus offering an informal but effective platform to reach thousands of Kenyans. His videos, which blend art and activism, have helped set the agenda online and ignited discussions on key issues like voter participation, holding politicians accountable, and resisting state capture.

Other activists like Wanjira Wanjiru, activist and co-founder Mathare Social Justice and Kasmuel McOure, a rising new voice from the Gen-Z movement hold discussions and civic educational dialogues with residents in slums to sensitise them about the need to keep holding their leaders accountable.

"The true change is in our community organising, is in communities coming together, is in ward-to-ward, constituency-constituency kind of organising; is in these kinds of setups where we come and make sure that we are on the same page mentally, that we are talking to each other, that we are saying we are leaving behind the Kenya that kills us, that kills our future, that destroys our present, that does not care about us, because this is home for each and every one of us," Wanjiru said.

For these activists, the public protests may have paused, but the revolution continues through what they call "the revolution of the mindset," an effort to shift the nation’s collective consciousness.

Despite threats and assault meted out to him, Daniel is committed to environmental justice. In an interview with AFP, Daniel shared that giving up on his activism means letting everyone down.

"If we give up or back down, it means we are giving up on our future. We, I, and everyone else will be saying goodbye to our future because we will quickly lose our home," he said.

In the case of assault and threats, Daniel said, "I had some neck and shoulder discomfort for a few days, but it was not too severe. I also received threats via WhatsApp and social media, but nothing life-threatening. My friends, however, received death threats."

In April 2024, he was sentenced to seven months in prison and fined for a Facebook post criticising the environmental damage caused by these illegal farms.

His conviction, however, was overturned by the Semarang High Court in May 2024. The court recognised that his actions were in defence of the constitutional right to a healthy environment.