Preceded by the film Writing Hawa

The unwavering strength of Afghan women

Ticket

Sunday 9 March – 20h00
Espace Pitoëff - Théâtre
Rue de Carouge 52, 1205 Geneva

Since their takeover in 2021, the Taliban have systematically dismantled Afghan women’s rights. How can we support girls and women today, both at the political level and through private initiatives?

To date, only China and the United Arab Emirates have formally recognised the Taliban government, though several other states have cautiously begun to establish diplomatic channels. A wide-ranging political debate with far-reaching implications is unfolding, in which the situation of Afghan women is central. Meanwhile, the resilience and courage of these women are reflected in numerous initiatives, including distance-learning projects that enable them to continue their studies and aspirations despite overwhelming obstacles.

Co-presented with Human Rights Watch and ARTE
Discussion

Najiba Noori
Director of Writing Hawa
Learn More

Hamida Aman
Founder of Radio Begum & Begum Academy
Learn More

Fereshta Abbasi
Afghanistan Researcher at Human Rights Watch
Learn More

Moderators

Virginie Mangin
Journalist at Swissinfo
Learn More

Language(s)
The discussion is interpreted in English, French and Farsi

By Najiba Noori and Rasul Noori

Writing Hawa

Afghanistan, 2023. After being married off at 13 and raising six now-adult children, Hawa embarks on a journey to liberate herself from her role as a housewife by learning to read and write. Determined to rebuild her life despite countless obstacles, she has the support of her daughter—filmmaker Najiba Noori. Yet when the Taliban recaptures power, Hawa’s dreams, like those of many other women, fall apart. Najiba flees to France while Hawa remains, resolved to preserve hope despite the severe new restrictions on women’s freedoms. This film honours Hawa’s resilience and the unwavering courage of Afghan women confronting oppression.

AWARD: FiPRESCI at IDFA

Swiss Premiere
Section : Competition - Creative Documentaries
Country : France, Netherlands, Qatar, Afghanistan
Original language : Farsi
Subtitles : English, French
Duration
84’
Year
2024
Directors
Najiba Noori
Rasul Noori
Producers
Tag Film
Een van de jongens
ARTE
Photographie
Najiba Noori
Rasul Noori
Editing
Afsaneh Salari
Music
Afshin Azizi
Sound
Tim van Peppen
World Sales
First Hand Films