Watch Faces of Change: Afghan Women

Faces of Change: Afghan Women is a documentary that portrays the lives of Afghan women, their daily struggles, and the progress they have made in the face of extreme adversity. The movie showcases the stories of six women from different parts of Afghanistan, and how they have defied societal norms to achieve their dreams. The documentary opens with a brief history of the country and the struggles that Afghan women have faced over the years. The Taliban came to power in 1996, and their reign was particularly brutal for women. They were forbidden from working or going to school, and they could not leave their homes without a male companion. Women who violated these rules were subjected to public beatings and executions.

The documentary then introduces its six main subjects. Fawzia is a young woman from Kabul who dreams of becoming a journalist. Her father is supportive of her aspirations, but her mother is more hesitant, fearing for her safety in a city where journalists are frequently targeted.

Sara is a midwife who lives in the rural province of Ghor. She travels from village to village to provide healthcare to women and children, despite the many obstacles she faces on her journey. Her work is particularly important because many of the women she treats are unable to access healthcare otherwise.

Maryam is a teacher who runs a school for girls in Herat. She had to flee the country during the Taliban regime, but she returned after they were ousted in 2001 to help rebuild the education system. Her school provides a safe haven for girls who might otherwise be forced into marriage or denied an education.

Khadija is a widow who lives in a refugee camp on the outskirts of Kabul. She has four children to support and struggles to make ends meet, but she remains fiercely independent and determined to give her children a better life.

Marzia is a policewoman who works in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif. She faces hostility and discrimination from some of her male colleagues, but she persists in her work because she believes it is important for women to be represented in the police force.

Finally, we meet Hajera, a young girl who lives in a remote village in the northeastern province of Badakhshan. Hajera dreams of becoming a doctor, but she faces many obstacles, including a lack of access to education and healthcare.

The documentary follows these women over the course of several months, documenting their struggles and triumphs. We see Fawzia undergo journalism training and eventually get a job at a local newspaper. Sara delivers babies and provides healthcare in the face of extreme poverty and insecurity. Maryam's school flourishes despite opposition from conservative elements in the community. Khadija manages to provide for her children through her own hard work and determination. Marzia continues to work as a policewoman despite the harassment she faces from some of her colleagues. And Hajera manages to get an education and take the first steps towards her dream of becoming a doctor.

Throughout the movie, we also hear from experts, activists, and ordinary Afghans about the progress that has been made in women's rights since the fall of the Taliban, and the challenges that still lie ahead. The documentary does not shy away from the difficulties facing Afghan women, but it also celebrates their resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to their own empowerment.

In conclusion, Faces of Change: Afghan Women is a moving and inspiring documentary that sheds light on the struggles and achievements of Afghan women in the face of extreme adversity. Through the stories of its six main subjects, the movie portrays the diversity of experiences and aspirations of Afghan women, and shows us the immense progress that has been made in recent years. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting women's rights and empowering women to shape their own futures.

Faces of Change: Afghan Women is a 1974 documentary with a runtime of 17 minutes.