March 22: A WOMAN'S PLACE  A law is only good to the extent that it is implemented. The documentary, A Woman's Place, depicts this notion; that laws empowering women are a necessary but not sufficient condition to achieving empowerment. The film is about three women working in the legal systems of three different countries (South Africa, India, and USA) to ensure that laws which are written to empower women are actually implemented. The three laws deal respectively with the right to own property, the right to a divorce and justice for victims of domestic violence.
Followed by Q & A with a member of the original production team. April 6: MACHO  Women's empowerment is also men's empowerment. The film Macho takes an in-depth look at a men's group in Latin America which is actively working against violence against women. The film shows that "empowerment" requires the support of both men and women, and demonstrates how men in macho societies can resist gender norms which educate them to express masculinity through violence.
Followed by Q & A with a member of the LAC team. May 4: WOMEN AND DEMOCRACY IN YEMEN  In the documentary, Women and Democracy in Yemen, a few determined Yemeni women confront an array of obstacles, such as gender stereotyping and party politics, as they vie for seats in Yemen's parliament. This film follows women on the campaign trail as they try to gain support for their political candidacy and shows the changing nature of gender and social relations in Yemen.
Followed by Q & A with a member of the MENA team. June 8: BREAD AND ROSES  A compelling story about two immigrant sisters from Mexico, Bread and Roses tells the story of their disappointments in searching for a better life in a new land. Two Mexican women arrive in the US and find work in a large corporation as janitors. The story primarily focuses on their struggle, along with that of their fellow colleagues, to unionize and receive the rights and benefits they deserve as employees. The story also exemplifies the extreme measures which newly arrived immigrants must employ to survive.
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