The unwavering strength of Afghan women

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.
Najiba Noori
Director of Writing Hawa
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Hamida Aman
Founder of Radio Begum & Begum Academy
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Fereshta Abbasi
Afghanistan Researcher at Human Rights Watch
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The discussion is interpreted in English, French and Farsi
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
Rasul Noori
Een van de jongens
ARTE
Rasul Noori