Frontrunner. The Afghan Woman Who Surprised the World

Description

The heroic story of the first woman to run for president of Afghanistan, this program profiles Dr. Massouda Jalal and the campaign that inspired thousands to participate in the democratic process. Cameras follow Jalal as she canvasses at mosques, homes, marketplaces, and radio stations, determined to "wake up the mentality" of those who see no leadership role for women in Afghanistan. Running a campaign without the massive resources backing main opponent Hamid Karzai, fielding death threats, and coping with election-day irregularities, Jalal understands that making a bid for the presidency is in itself a "win" - her actions moved more than 500 women to run for Parliament just a few months later. The video also provides a rare look at how a low-literacy country that has relied on tribal elders for decision-making educates its citizens about voting and conducts an election. Portions with English subtitles.

Runtime

89 min

Subjects

Contributor

Geography

Genre

Date of Publication

[2013], c2007

Database

Films on Demand

Direct Link