Nearly half the world's population had elections this year, but for the first time in at least 20 years, progress for women's representation has slowed. In 60% of countries that voted this year, the number of women in parliament fell.

Stephanie Hegarty, the BBC’s population correspondent, discusses some of the countries where fewer women were elected and explains some of the factors behind the drop. She also looks at the regions — from Latin America to Africa — where female politicians made gains.

We also hear from Puakena Boreham, a former member of parliament in the Pacific island of Tuvalu, and Indira Kempis, a former member of the Senate in Mexico. They discuss the importance of female representation and the challenges that female politicians face.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Benita Barden and Maria Clara Montoya Editor: Verity Wilde

Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc in Mozambique and Mayotte.

In Mozambique, 120 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds of thousands more impacted by the storm. It’s further strained a country where protests and civil unrest have been ongoing since disputed elections in October. Mozambique’s constitutional council has confirmed the ruling party won the election. Our reporter, Evelin Uachave, explains what’s behind the protests.

But the French territory of Mayotte could be in worse shape - it’s the poorest part of France and already faced major challenges even before the cyclone made landfall. The BBC’s Sara Menai explains why things are so bad.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Adam Chowdhury and Emily Horler Editor: Verity Wilde

BMX Freestyle is one of the events at the 2024 Urban Cycling World Championships which are being held in Abu Dhabi. It features fearless BMX riders jumping, spinning and hurling themselves around the course on a small bike, pulling off mind-blowing tricks that get you gasping. Think acrobatic gymnastics but on a bike.

What does it take to become a BMX rider though? Tom Clemens from Germany, who sits 18th in the BMX Freestyle world rankings, tells us how he became a professional BMX rider.

Plus, Olympic commentator and professional skateboarder Lucy Adams explains how BMX Freestyle riders compete, and how new ‘action’ sports like BMX are trying to grow their popularity.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Adam Chowdhury, Mora Morrison and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde