Abstract

The documentary film, "Women under Fire - in War and Peace," will explore how women who have lived through violence, armed conflict and war are dealing with these issues and sharing strategies of healing, self-empowerment and reconstruction. Emphasizing the personal experiences of five women engaged in development work or support programs for women, the film will explore how survivors of armed conflict are coming to terms with the legacy of the past, and charting their future in the context of militarization, rising crime levels and ongoing violence against women. Through the eyes of five women, from countries as far apart as South Africa, Croatia, Israel, Mozambique and Nicaragua, the film will explore commonalities and differences across borders and continents. The extent to which social, political, economic, cultural, religious and traditional circumstances inhibit the lives and reconstruction initiatives of women will be examined. At the heart of the film is a gathering of women, including the five leading characters, at an IDRC-funded global conference held in Johannesburg and entitled, "98-5928 (004557) The Aftermath: Women in post-war reconstruction." The film- makers will collaborate on an ongoing basis with the conference organizers and the research that will inform the conference will be used in making the film.

Recipient Institution(s)