Work-In-Progress Screening | “School for Girls,” a Documentary about Afghanistan

The Wilson Center’s Middle East Program (MEP),  the Middle East Women’s Initiative (MEWI), and the South Asia Institute hosted a closed, work-in-progress screening of the documentary “School for Girls.” MEWI promotes the empowerment of women in the region through an open and inclusive dialogue with women leaders from the Middle East and continuous research. Directed and produced by EMMY award-winning Shannon Taylor, "School for Girls" is an hour-long documentary intricately weaving the parallel narratives of two groups of teenage girls—one in San Diego and the other in Afghanistan—bound by their shared struggle for education and their courageous pursuit of a better future. 

Now in the fourth year of Taliban rule, Afghanistan has seen a rapidly worsening economy, sparking a severe humanitarian crisis for nearly 23.7 million of its residents. For women and girls in the country, over 100 edicts further restrict their rights, mobility, and expression. Under these conditions, what can be and is being done inside the country under-the-radar to support Afghan women and girls? How can the Afghan diaspora and the international community support these activities? The screening will be followed by a panel and Q&A with director and producer Shannon Taylor, Executive Director Pashtana Durrani, Timothy Stiven, a teacher for Flowers of the Future, and a group of girls from Afghanistan (via Zoom) who have participated in the film. This conversation will be moderated by MEP Associate Faria Nasruddin.

To read more about the condition of women and girls under Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, visit the blog, Enheduanna: The Voices of Women from the Middle East.  Read more »

Disclaimer: The filmmakers are screening this film to gather feedback from policymakers and experts in Washington, DC.