UNITE FOR BISSAU (Nô Kumpu Guiné)
Take Action
With the release of Unite for Bissau (Nô Kumpu Guiné), Cultures of Resistance Films is supporting a variety of initiatives which aim to empower women and girls in Africa and beyond. These initiatives include the launch of a poster series entitled “Women carry the weight of the world on their shoulders,” which features images of women from Guinea-Bissau and other African countries who are taking their power back by asserting their dignity and independence, creating self-sufficiency, challenging patriarchy, and continuing the liberation struggle. You can view the posters here!
We are also supporting grassroots activists and womens’ organizations in the global South through our Cultures of Resistance Awards, grants from our sister organization, the Cultures of Resistance Network, and personal donations from director iara lee. Below is a list of organizations that we endorse, along with some ways that you can participate in their efforts!
(Cover photo courtesy of Cultures of Resistance Films / Caipirinha Productions)
A first critical means of empowering women and girls is education. We are proud to support many organizations that are committed to the education of girls in the global South:
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- Birzeit University is a leading public educational institution in Palestine’s West Bank. Their programs educate over 15,000 students in science, technology, social policy, the arts, law, economics, and other fields. Birzeit University’s Women’s Studies Institute is among the first academic centers for studying gender founded in the Middle East, and it evolved from Palestine’s long history of women’s activism. Learn more about Birzeit University here.
- LEARN Afghan is supported by our sister organization, the Cultures of Resistance Network. LEARN educates girls in Afghanistan where restrictions on girl’s education have grown more severe, with access beyond 6th grade severely limited and, in some instances, completely denied. LEARN remains resolute in its commitment to empower Afghan girls and has increased access for online classes for more young people. You can read more about LEARN Afghan here. To contribute to girls’ education in Afghanistan, donate here.
- Malaika is a nonprofit organization that empowers girls and their communities in the Democractic Republic of Congo through education and health programs. One of their programs, the Malaika School, provides primary and secondary education to 370 girls. Learn more here. Through donations, Malaika is able to expand their classrooms and community programs. You can make a contribution here.
(Photo courtesy of Malaika)
(Photo courtesy of Pazearr)
Education does not have to be limited to the classroom. Another group that we are proud to support uses sports as a means of facilitating health, learning, and community for girls:
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- Pazear is an organization that teaches soccer to girls in the community of Olinda, Brazil. Beyond the game, Pazear serves as a safety net for young girls. The team addresses critical issues that affect girls such as violence, racism, gender equality, health, and the environment. Through thoughtful discussions and individualized support led by the team psychologist, Pazear provides critical support during formative years. Link up with them through their Instagram to show your support here. If you happen to live in Brazil, you can volunteer your time here.
In addition to education, Cultures of Resistance is supporting women artists, helping them to create essential works that raise public awareness:
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- Ifeoma Fafunwa is a recipient of our Cultures of Resistance Award. She is the founder and creative director of iOpenEye, a non-profit theater production company. Her play HEAR WORD! Naija Woman Talk True, has impacted audiences internationally with its raw portrayal of Nigerian women’s experiences. Based on true-life stories, the play’s monologues challenge social, cultural, and political norms that restrict women’s contributions in society. Upcoming performances of HEAR WORD! can be found here.
- Sponsor a Sudanese Artist is an organization connecting artists with much needed sponsorships and resources in the midst of a civil war. You can join us by choosing an artist to sponsor here.
(Photo courtesy of Ifemoa Fafunwa)
(Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
Finally, women are at the forefront of efforts to care for the Earth. Recognizing this, we are supporting women environmentalists at groups such as Aides aux Femmes de Lumata, based in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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- Aides aux Femmes de Lumata is dedicated to managing women’s equity projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while also promoting models of agroecology that can help address the climate crisis. Their latest project equipped 50 women with vital knowledge on climate justice, including eco-friendly crop cultivation and sustainable income-generating activities. Learn more about Lumata and their incredible work here.
Cultures of Resistance Network is proud to sponsor organizations to advance women’s rights around the world. You can find a full list of organizations supported by our sister foundation at its website here.