Among Us Women – በኛ በሴቶች መካከል
Sarah Noa Bozenhardt, Daniel Abate Tilahun

Documentary film Ethiopia, Germany, 2021, 92 minutes
Amharic, English, subtitles: German

In rural Ethiopia, the staff of a health centre are fighting against maternal mortality. They tirelessly encourage women to give birth in the clinic. But the reservations are great, as are the practical hurdles. How are heavily pregnant women supposed to arrive on time if the ambulance only arrives after hours or not at all? Against medical advice, Hulu Ager decides to give birth at home, accompanied by a traditional midwife.

The film team captures moments of intimate community between Hulu Ager, the midwives and other women with a palpable familiarity. At the edges of the central conflict, the many challenges they have to overcome in a patriarchal society become visible. In the hairdressing salon under the steam bonnet, the debates are the liveliest: Welela, a medical professional, reports that she does not feel any pleasure during sex because of her circumcision. ‘You just have to prepare yourself,’ another customer advises her. Sometimes it helps to get drunk. For the cheeky hairdresser, however, one thing is certain: bad sex is a reason for divorce. The women share their wishes and needs with each other, experience solidarity and gather courage for small and large acts of awakening and resistance. Men have a place here as extras at best.

Admission free, donation welcome. Doors open from 6 pm.

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