A multiweek general election is underway in India and more women are taking part in it than ever before. Nearly half of the electorate is expected to be female. The country’s political parties are now running campaign ads targeted toward women to win over this crucial voting bloc.
For millions of women around the world, monthly periods are something that comes with real hazards, such as missing school and work or being subjected to potentially harmful sanitary conditions. But there’s a global menstrual movement taking place.
First-time director Zana Briski’s documentary Born into Brothels is short-listed for this year’s Oscars. A few years ago Briski, a photographer, found herself giving photography lessons to children living in the brothels of Calcutta’s red light district. She told Lu Olkowski about the challenges of trying to change people’s lives with art.