Fetching water from a well is a special special challenge for Azara. Her disability means no school for her in this small village in northern Ghana. In a culture that too often shuns disability many like her are marginalised and virtually ignored and forgotten.
Overcoming rural poverty, lack of education and disability 21 women from the Learning Circle filming group in Tamale, Ghana, have learned how to use cameras and make films so they can tell their own stories. They are now powerful advocates as they screen their films around their communities and beyond.
Filmed by the Women from The Learning Circle Group from Tamale, Ghana.
Participatory film project led by Dominique Chadwick and Abibata Mahama.
The project was supported by Comic Relief, Camfed International, Womankind, ADD (Action for Disability and Development) and local partners in Ghana.
Several films produced by the “Learning Circle were selected and screened at the FESPACO Pan African Film festival in Ougadougou, Burkina Faso in 2005 and 2007.
Azara from Dominique Chadwick on Vimeo.
Through their films the women from the Learning Circle express their concerns about a wide range of issues such as: women and girls’ education, the risks of HIV/AIDS in polygamous marriages, the violence against women and girls in their communities, the traditional practices of fostering and witchcraft and the discrimination suffered by disabled adults and children.