THE WHY launched its latest partnership with Docubox in Nairobi,Kenya last week, with the East-African premiere of the critically-acclaimed WHY SLAVERY? film Maid in Hell. This screening attracted 125 people and was followed by a diverse panel discussion with guest speakers: George Morara, the Vice chairperson from KNCHR (Kenya National Commission on Human Rights), Winnie Mutevu from HAART (Awareness of Human Trafficking Kenya) and a representative from KUDHEIHA (Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, EducationalInstitutions, Hospitals, Hospital and Allied Workers).

Docubox nurture local filmmaking talent to encourage storytelling which challenges the status quo and increases civic engagement with important social issues. The congruence between Docubox’s mission & values and THE WHY’s, made this collaboration a natural, logical partnership which we recognize to have had a positive impact on the local community.

We are proud to have hosted a screening of this film in Kenya and drawn together diverse speakers to discuss an issue that affects an estimated one hundred thousand women in Kenya. We believe that by informing people at the source about the operation of this modern slavery system, we can not only protect those vulnerable to the practice but also encourage a broader discussion about the necessary political measures needed to prevent it from continuing at all. Our Docubox partners shared this sentiment, as the screening’s manager Wambui Gathee expressed:

“Screening this film to more people in Kenya will sensitize on creating awareness on human trafficking and modern day slavery as well as educating and sparking conversation around it and the violation of human rights. It is important to show the public that these are the kind of things that are happening miles from home contrary to what we think. Maid In Hell has the potential to truly make a difference in Kenya and other third world countries by educating and creating awareness on human trafficking to more and more people who know little of modern day slavery.”

Maid in Hell shines a light on the systematic exploitation and abuse of East African women who are lured to the Middle-East on the promise of paid domestic work in private homes. On arrival the reality is far different than they could have imagined, with many subject to harassment, abuse, rape and 18-hour work days.

If you are interested in hosting your own screening of Maid in Hell or any of the films in our WHY SLAVERY? collection, please get in touch with us at whyslavery@thewhy.dk or info@thewhy.dk

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