People Fixing the World

Sex is one of the few things in life that is available to everyone and is free. But achieving enjoyable sex is not possible for many. Some people are held back by fear, ignorance or culture - others don’t know or understand their rights around sex. For years public health campaigns focused on warning people about the downsides of sex - danger, disease and death - but increasingly the work is focused on the reasons people have sex. We're in Brazil where we meet Ana Autoestima. She’s a ‘virtual friend’ who provides positive advice about sex to women living some of the poorest neighbourhoods in Rio de Janeiro. We also visit Iraq to find out how a project is helping women who’ve suffered from female genital mutilation or FGM to enjoy their bodies and sexuality. And we’ll hear from Kenyan celebrity and musician Kaz Karen Lucas whose mission is to change the way Kenyans think about sex.This podcast contains adult themes.People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.Presenter: Myra Anubi Producer: Claire Bowes Editor: Jon Bithrey Sound mix: Gareth Jones

Jane Chambers, a BBC reporter, dives into the financial struggles faced by impoverished communities in Guatemala, particularly indigenous women overcoming barriers to create savings groups. The conversation highlights success stories of economic empowerment through community support. In the UK, an innovative cooking program not only combats food insecurity but also improves health and saves money. Participants transform their cooking skills and confidence, sharing money-saving strategies along the way.

Many agricultural workers don’t have the eyesight they need for the work they do, affecting both their comfort and their ability to earn more money. They're among the billion plus people who have visual impairments but can't get the assistance they need. We visit a coffee plantation in southern India where workers are being given glasses on the spot. As well as easing eye strain, the intervention has been shown to increase workers' pay significantly.People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.Presenter: Myra Anubi Producer: William Kremer Editor: Jon Bithrey Sound mix: Annie Gardiner(Image: An Indian worker being given an eye test, Shruti Kulkarni/Vision Spring)

Jane Chambers, a dedicated reporter, dives into a remarkable story of water-sharing in Bolivia. She explores how the farming community of Los Negros faced severe water scarcity, leading to tensions with upstream villages. Instead of conflict, collaboration blossomed, resulting in a groundbreaking agreement to protect forests and sustain the river. This innovative approach is now a blueprint for similar initiatives across Latin America, showcasing the power of community and conservation in tackling global water challenges.

A quick hello and happy new year from Myra and a preview of some of the great solutions coming up on People Fixing The World. Share our podcast with your friends and family and give them something to cheer about as we look ahead to 2025.People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.

Myra Anubi visits a major project in the north of England that’s restoring a damaged landscape. Haweswater in the Lake District is an area of stunning natural beauty but over the years it’s been degraded by humans and livestock. This has created flood risks and reduced biodiversity. But now work is underway to restore the site to benefit both people and the environment. Rivers have been ‘re-wiggled’, peat bogs repaired, and new trees planted. Myra also visits an innovative scheme in the area that’s using old Christmas trees to repair damaged river banks.People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.Presenter: Myra Anubi Producer: Richard Kenny Editor: Jon Bithrey Sound mix: Gareth Jones(Image: Annabel Rushton and Glen Swainson of the RSPB with Myra Anubi, BBC)

Join reporters Claire Bates, Craig Langran, and Claire Bowes as they discuss innovative solutions making a real impact. Claire Bates shines a light on beavers' role in rewilding and kelp forest restoration. Craig Langran tantalizes with culinary innovations transforming pesky sea urchins into gourmet dishes. Claire Bowes highlights sustainable fashion initiatives in collaboration with indigenous communities. Together, they explore revolutionary healthcare solutions in Kenya, including drone deliveries and mental health support in barbershops, showcasing hope and creativity in tackling global challenges.

Craig Langran, a dynamic reporter and producer, discusses the rising threat of wildfires and the innovative solutions being implemented in Spain and England. He reveals how trained cows are being utilized to manage vegetation and prevent fires, showcasing a natural approach to a growing crisis. Additionally, Langran dives into groundbreaking technologies like infrared flame detection and drone deployment, highlighting their effectiveness in early fire detection. This blend of wildlife collaboration and tech innovation offers hope in an increasingly challenging environmental landscape.

Gun violence impacts nations worldwide, sparking innovative solutions. A company in the US has developed a smart gun using facial recognition and fingerprints, ensuring only the owner can fire it. In the UK, one woman is linking police and partners of gun license applicants to enhance safety measures. Jamaica's strategy focuses on using hospital data to tackle firearm-related crimes in challenged neighborhoods. The shift towards treating gun violence as a public health issue emphasizes education, community involvement, and data-driven responses.

Chhavi Sachdev, a dedicated producer and reporter, takes us through India's innovative approaches to combat plastic waste. She highlights the eco-social company Recharkha, which empowers village women by transforming plastic packaging into stylish products. There's a fascinating look at a project in Noida that recycles millions of cigarette butts into soft materials for toys, merging creativity with sustainability. This insightful discussion reveals how upcycling not only tackles pollution but also uplifts local communities.