WUNRN
Yemen - Akhdam Minority Women - Compounded
Discrimination, Abuse, Stigma
The
video chronicles the lives and injustices against the Akhdam women in Yemen.
The 'Akhdam' , singular Khadem, meaning "servant" in Arabic, are a
social group in Yemen, distinct from the majority by their darker skin and
African descent. Although they are Arabic-speaking and practicing Muslims, they
are regarded as non-Arabs and designated as a low caste group, frequently
discriminated against and confined to unskilled and menial labor. In a society
already riddled with patriarchy and poverty, the distain and discrimination
against the Akhdam renders Akhdam women easy targets of violence and abuse.
Akhdam women are subject to hate-based attacks and sexual assaults without any
type of legal or social recourse.
This video, produced by Sisters Arab Forum for Human Rights and WITNESS,
features the stories and voices of three women, Haddah, Qobol, and Om Ali.
Their stories of violence, injustice and forced poverty uncover the legacy of discrimination
the Akhdam live with and the necessity of urgent action against these
atrocities.
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