Do you like my chador? My seat neighbor Esra took me by surprise with this particular question on a bus ride from Tehran to Esfahan. How to give her an honest answer without offending in no respect? Luckily before I even opened my mouth she said: “It’s so beautiful, isn’t it?” Thus, my perplex nodding... Continue Reading →
Stories
An unconventional method of aids prevention in Kenya
How did you get educated about sexual transmission of HIV? On my way to the bus station in Nairobi I came across this gentleman on the picture. At first sight I thought he was performing street art with regular balloons. But then I found out he was using condoms and that’s when I realised he... Continue Reading →
What I learned about the refugee influx in Lebanon
Do you know how many refugees your home country hosts? Imagine you are one of 4.4 million nationals… and all of a sudden 1.5 million refugees enter your country to seek safety and shelter. How would you feel about it? Exactly this scenario has been happening in Lebanon since the crisis in Syria started in... Continue Reading →
What I learned about arranged marriages in Uzbekistan
In Uzbekistan arranged marriages have a long tradition and are very popular. When a girl turns 17 - considered as the perfect wedding age - her parents select a potential spouse for her. The first date is usually the first time ever the girl gets to meet her future groom. If they both like each... Continue Reading →
Wife/mother/teenager – child brides in India
Think back to the time when you were 16 years old: Would you have been ready to become a bride or groom and enter into an arranged marriage? Wife, mother... and still a teenager! I met Hyma in a small village in the Thar Desert/ Rajasthan where she lives with her husband’s family clan. She... Continue Reading →