Roya Karimi, once a child bride in Afghanistan, has transformed her life to become one of Europe’s top bodybuilders. Now 30, she is set to compete in the World Bodybuilding Championships, marking a remarkable rise in a sport she embraced professionally less than two years ago. Her journey began in 2011 when she fled Afghanistan with her mother and young son, seeking refuge in Norway. There, she rebuilt her life, pursued education, and became a nurse, all while meeting her second husband, Kamal Jalaluddin, a fellow bodybuilder who became her staunch supporter. Bodybuilding became a turning point for Roya, helping her reclaim her identity and break free from the mental and social constraints she faced in Afghanistan. Despite facing criticism and threats on social media for her bold appearance, Roya remains undeterred, using her platform to inspire women in Afghanistan, where rights have severely regressed since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Her victories in competitions like the Stoperiet Open and Norway Classic 2025 have cemented her status as a trailblazer. As she prepares for the world championships in Barcelona, Roya aims to make history for Afghan women, proving that resilience and determination can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
分类： society
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Is motherhood the end of career? 28% of UAE mums start businesses after childbirth
A groundbreaking study in the UAE has revealed that motherhood is far from a career-ending phase for many women. Instead, it serves as a catalyst for ambition and entrepreneurship. The ‘State of Motherhood & Ambition in the UAE 2025’ report, conducted by researchers Constanze Munz and Anushka Kalyanpur De Luca, surveyed over 180 professional mothers across the country. The findings challenge the outdated notion that women scale back their professional aspirations after having children.
According to the study, 28% of mothers in the UAE have started their own businesses at various stages of motherhood, from the first year after childbirth to over a decade later. Furthermore, 70% of working mothers reported maintaining or even strengthening their ambition post-childbirth. Rather than leaving the workforce, many are redefining success on their own terms, prioritizing autonomy, purpose, and flexibility over traditional career trajectories.
The research highlights that one in five mothers switched industries to pursue more meaningful work, while another 20% returned to their roles with renewed clarity and drive. Nearly half (46%) expressed plans to start a business in the future, signaling a growing trend of female-led entrepreneurship in the UAE.
Support systems emerged as a critical factor in sustaining ambition. Among mothers satisfied with childcare arrangements, 84% reported steady or increased ambition, compared to 55% among those without adequate support. Flexible work arrangements, financial security, and reliable childcare were identified as essential enablers for mothers to thrive professionally.
The researchers emphasized that the findings should shift the national conversation from ‘working mothers’ challenges’ to ‘societal opportunities.’ Supporting mothers, they argue, is not only a social good but also an economic strategy that benefits families, employers, and the broader economy. ‘When mothers thrive, everyone thrives,’ Munz stated.
The study, conducted between June and November 2025, included mothers from diverse industries and stages of motherhood. It concludes that ambition does not diminish with motherhood; instead, it evolves and, with the right support, can flourish.
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Moment newly opened bridge partially collapses in China
A recently inaugurated bridge in China’s southwestern Sichuan Province experienced a partial collapse, raising concerns about infrastructure safety. Local authorities swiftly responded to the incident, confirming that no casualties were reported. The collapse occurred shortly after the bridge’s opening, prompting immediate investigations into the structural integrity and construction standards. Officials emphasized that emergency protocols were effectively implemented to ensure public safety. This incident has sparked widespread discussions on the quality control measures in China’s rapidly expanding infrastructure projects. While the exact cause remains under investigation, the event underscores the critical need for rigorous safety assessments in public construction endeavors.
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Dominican Republic suffers nationwide power cut after ‘cascade of failures’
The Dominican Republic faced a nationwide power outage on Tuesday, disrupting daily life and critical services across the country. The blackout, which occurred at 13:23 local time (17:23 GMT), was attributed to a failure in the electricity transmission system, according to the state-owned Dominican Electricity Transmission Company. Energy Minister Joel Santos Echeverría confirmed that the issue originated at a substation, triggering a cascade of failures across the grid. Echeverría assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the root cause, while efforts were already underway to restore power swiftly. This incident follows a series of smaller blackouts reported in recent weeks, raising concerns about the stability of the nation’s power infrastructure. The outage impacted essential services, including the metro and cable car systems in the capital, Santo Domingo, where passengers had to be evacuated. Reports of traffic chaos and disruptions to internet services further compounded the situation. Social media users highlighted widespread outages, though some areas retained electricity and internet connectivity. The Caribbean nation, home to approximately 11 million people, is still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa last month. The Category 5 storm claimed four lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, exacerbating existing challenges. As a major tourist destination, the Dominican Republic’s infrastructure struggles could have broader economic implications. The country, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, continues to grapple with the dual pressures of natural disasters and aging energy systems.
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Exhibition highlights historical and cultural roots of Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao
A groundbreaking exhibition at the Guangdong Museum in Guangzhou is shedding light on the deep-rooted historical and cultural connections between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. Titled ‘Love and Memory of the Greater Bay Area – Historical and Cultural Relics of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Since the 19th Century,’ the event opened on November 11 and will continue until March 8. Featuring over 350 cultural artifacts, the exhibition chronicles the social, economic, and cultural evolution of the Greater Bay Area over the past century. These relics illustrate how the three regions, despite geographical separation, have preserved a shared ancestry, traditions, and cultural bonds. The exhibition emphasizes that ‘Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao’ is not just a geographical term but a symbol of identity and a vital link that connects Hong Kong and Macao to mainland China through a shared heritage.
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Cultivation in Yunnan paves the way for ‘durian freedom’
In a groundbreaking development for China’s agricultural sector, Yunnan province has successfully trialed the cultivation of durians, a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. Known as the ‘king of tropical fruits,’ durians have traditionally been imported from countries like Thailand and Vietnam to meet China’s high demand. However, recent trials in Jinghong city and Mengla county, located in the Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, have yielded promising results. Local farmers, including Jia Guohua from Mengla, have shared videos of their ripened durians, with Jia’s tree producing 16 fruits this year—a surprising outcome from a seed he had discarded a decade ago. This breakthrough could significantly reduce China’s reliance on imports and pave the way for ‘durian freedom,’ making the fruit more accessible and affordable for Chinese consumers. The success of these trials highlights Yunnan’s potential as a key agricultural hub for tropical fruits, offering economic opportunities for local farmers and contributing to food security in the region.
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HK, Taiwan volunteers share their passion at games’ opening
The 15th National Games, a grand celebration of athleticism and unity, witnessed the remarkable contributions of young volunteers from Hong Kong and Taiwan. Among them were Yao Zhengnuo from Hong Kong and Chu Cheng-wei from Taiwan, who played pivotal roles in ensuring the success of the opening ceremony. Their dedication and enthusiasm not only highlighted their personal commitment but also symbolized the broader spirit of collaboration across regions. The event served as a platform for fostering connections and showcasing the shared passion for sports and national pride. Their stories of hard work and dedication continue to inspire many, emphasizing the importance of volunteerism in large-scale national events. The opening ceremony, a spectacle of cultural and athletic excellence, was made even more memorable by the efforts of these young volunteers, who exemplified the values of teamwork and dedication.
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Six punished for disrupting wedding procession in Hebei
In a recent incident in Xianghe county, Langfang, Hebei province, six individuals were penalized by local authorities for disrupting a wedding procession and demanding cigarettes. The event, which occurred on November 5, saw the group stopping a wedding car under the guise of offering congratulations and insisting on receiving nine cartons of cigarettes, without specifying any particular brand. Contrary to circulating online rumors, officials clarified that the claim of 50 cartons being involved was unfounded and originated from a driver within the wedding convoy who disseminated the false information. After a 20-minute standoff, the newlyweds managed to continue their journey in a different vehicle, while the six individuals departed empty-handed. Local authorities have vowed to intensify efforts to curb such disruptive practices and have urged the public to report any similar occurrences.
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Russian court extends jailing of teenage singer over street performance of anti-war songs
In a move that has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights advocates, a Russian court in St. Petersburg has extended the detention of Diana Loginova, an 18-year-old street singer, for an additional 13 days. Loginova, who performs under the stage name Naoko with the band Stoptime, faces charges of violating public order during an October performance where she sang anti-war songs. This marks her third consecutive sentencing since her initial arrest on October 15, with the court also imposing fines for allegedly “discrediting the Russian armed forces.”
Alexander Orlov, another member of Stoptime, has similarly faced repeated detentions alongside Loginova. Both have denied any wrongdoing. Amnesty International has criticized these actions as “carousel arrests,” designed to keep them in custody without formal criminal charges.
Human rights activists argue that Loginova and her bandmates have been targeted for performing songs by artists who opposed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and subsequently left the country. Videos of their performances, which feature crowds singing lyrics critical of the Kremlin and the war, have gone viral online, prompting calls from pro-Kremlin activists for police intervention.
Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s deputy director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, condemned the arrests, stating that Loginova and Orlov are being punished for their public performances, which he described as “a breath of fresh air in a country gasping under repression and self-censorship.” He called for their immediate and unconditional release, emphasizing that their only “crime” is exercising their right to freedom of expression.
The case has sparked solidarity performances in several Russian cities, leading to further arrests and fines. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Russian authorities have intensified their crackdown on dissent, targeting rights groups, independent media, civil society organizations, LGBTQ+ activists, and religious groups. Hundreds have been jailed, and thousands have fled the country.
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Families of Camp Mystic victims sue owners over deadly Texas flood
The families of victims from the tragic Camp Mystic floods have filed a lawsuit against the Texas Christian camp, alleging gross negligence and failure to protect the children under their care. The devastating flash floods during the 4 July holiday claimed the lives of 27 children and counselors. The lawsuit, filed in Austin, seeks over $1 million in damages and accuses the camp owners of ignoring flood warnings and failing to evacuate campers promptly. The camp’s decision to partially reopen next year has further fueled outrage among the victims’ families. The lawsuit states, ‘These young girls died because a for-profit camp put profit over safety.’ The camp’s lawyer expressed empathy but contested some allegations, citing the unprecedented nature of the flood. Texas lawmakers have since passed legislation to prevent such tragedies, including restrictions on camps in flood-risk zones and mandatory emergency training.