Though some in the Western world view the veil as a symbol of oppression, for women in Egypt the hijab takes on different meanings.
Africa often makes headlines for its post-colonial civil wars, corrupt politicians, extreme poverty and malnourished populations. But increasingly across the continent, technological advancement, economic might and social changes are presenting another image of Africa.
Worldfocus travels to Egypt, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania to report on the 21st century version of Africa, where women are forging political revolutions, cell phones are leapfrogging over the digital divide and China is cultivating friendships with African nations.
"The Other Africa" is a collection of signature videos, interviews, online radio shows, reporter observations and analysis from the field and blogger perspectives.
The Other Africa
Egyptian women choose the veil
Tech advances rev up across Africa
Africa has the fastest-growing mobile market in the world. Africans are making technological advances and actively blogging.
Middle class sprawls in Nairobi, Kenya
The scene in downtown Nairobi reflects Kenya's growing middle class, with towering buildings and multinational businesses.
China strengthens trading ties in Africa
Within a couple of years, China is expected to surpass the U.S. as Africa's primary trading partner, with a projected trading relationship worth $100 billion a year.
Chinese investment in Africa soars
The debate on China's expanding investments and interests in Africa falls somewhere between paranoia and praise.
Rwanda’s parliament mandates quota for women
Women make up 48 percent of Rwanda's parliament -- a result of both an electoral quota and of the death of many men in the country's 1994 genocide.