Girl Rising

Girl Rising is a 2013 documentary film that showcases the lives of nine girls from around the world. The movie is a poignant exploration of the challenges and injustices faced by young girls in diverse cultures and nations. From India to Afghanistan, Ethiopia to Cambodia, and the United States to Peru, each story highlights the struggles and triumphs of girls living in various forms of poverty, oppression, and adversity. The film is presented through the lens of nine different filmmakers, each bringing a unique perspective to their narrative. Their collaborations with renowned authors and writers, including Meryl Streep, Liam Neeson, and Anne Hathaway, contribute to the powerful storytelling. The documentary weaves together a rich tapestry, painting a vivid picture of the universal struggles and aspirations common to girls everywhere. In Afghanistan, the story of Shazia, an eight-year-old girl, sets the tone for the film. In a country ravaged by war and oppression, Shazia's narrative emphasizes the importance of education and freedom. Despite facing numerous obstacles, her family prioritizes her education, and her determination to learn serves as a beacon of hope for her community. In Peru, the filmmaker follows the journey of a young girl named Srey. Srey lives in a small Andean village, where she works alongside her family in the fields. However, the film reveals that Srey's true passion lies in attending school, where she can learn to read and write. Her struggle to balance work and education highlights the difficulties faced by girls who are forced to abandon school to care for their families. In India, we meet Rukshar, a bright and ambitious ten-year-old girl. However, Rukshar faces a daunting reality: female infanticide, which claims the lives of millions of female babies in India. Her story raises crucial questions about the societal attitudes that perpetuate this heinous crime. In Ethiopia, the narrative follows the life of Amina. An elderly woman who has lost her daughters to arranged marriages and early childbearing, Amina is driven to ensure that her granddaughter, Fawziya, will have a better life. Amina's journey showcases the complex relationships between mothers and daughters across cultures, as well as the role that elder women can play in advocating for female empowerment. The film also features the story of Wadetti, a nine-year-old girl from rural Ethiopia. Born with a clubfoot, Wadetti is ostracized by her community and abandoned by her parents. However, a dedicated teacher and a small group of community members come together to ensure her education and inclusion. Wadetti's story serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and the resilience of the human spirit. In Cambodia, we encounter Sokha, an articulate and intelligent twelve-year-old girl. Although educated and from a relatively affluent family, Sokha is forced into marriage at a young age. Her narrative poignantly captures the consequences of early marriage, including the loss of education and autonomy. In Nepal, we meet Saini, a bright and ambitious eight-year-old girl. Despite the social norms that prevent girls from attending school in this remote village, Saini's determination to learn is unwavering. Her journey serves as a reminder of the power of education in breaking cycles of poverty and inequality. In South Sudan, we meet Nita and Nyal, two young girls who face unimaginable hardships in their displacement camp. Nita's mother has passed away, and Nita, at the tender age of eleven, is forced to care for her younger sister. Nal's story highlights the critical need for support and education for young girls in the face of conflict. Finally, in the United States, the narrative is centered around Yasmin, a bright and articulate thirteen-year-old girl from a low-income neighborhood in New York City. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including poverty and lack of access to quality education, Yasmin's determination to attend college and pursue her dreams is a testament to her resilience and strength. Girl Rising is more than a film; it's a movement to empower young girls worldwide. The project has spawned several spin-offs, including companion books and short-form documentaries. Its reach and impact extend far beyond the confines of the big screen, inspiring countless people around the globe to take action on behalf of girls' education. This powerful documentary is a moving and thought-provoking tribute to young girls everywhere. By highlighting the triumphs and struggles of these resilient young women, Girl Rising shines a light on the urgent need for education and empowerment, ultimately challenging audiences to become part of the movement to create a more just and equitable world for girls and women everywhere.