World in Progress | Deutsche Welle

Cobalt is one of the most important raw materials used to make batteries for smartphones, tablets and e-cars. About two thirds of cobalt comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition to the big industrial mines, there are many small makeshift mines where even children source the raw material, risking their lives. Linda Staude went to explore.

This week we're bringing you a special about coffee and the injustice that comes with it. In Guatemala, coffee farmers are losing out because of price dumping and climate change. And Colombia's coffee farmers battle with competition from Brazil and Vietnam — and the middlemen who are taking their cuts.

So far, the COVID-19 virus has infected about 200,000 people worldwide. To help contain the outbreak, hygiene and information is key. Some countries are doing this better than others. Leading by example is South Korea for instance where everyone gets notifications about new infections by mobile phone. We also talk about how to protect us and the elderly from the disease.

In this edition: Millions of people are forced to toil in forms of modern slavery across the world. Find out what is being done to help them from an NGO that's been fighting slavery for almost two centuries — and: meet an inspiring woman who escaped slavery in 19th century and became one of the icons of the abolitionist movement: the amazing story of Harriet Tubman.

In the spirit of International Women’s Day, we're looking at women’s rights across the globe with human rights lawyer and podcaster Kate Kelly. We’ll also hear from Mexican activists who are putting a name and a face to victims of femicide online. NGOs are also finding creative ways to keep women out of harm’s way in climate-hit regions. Plus, an unlikely DJ sets the Moscow club scene on fire.