A Stranger In Her Own Land

As the shockwaves from the leaked Supreme Court Roe v. Wade draft ruling reverberate across the US and around the world, this video I first posted in 2009  seems relevant so I'm posting it again. Najmia is the star of this 2005 short documentary film, directed by Yemeni director Khadija al-Salami. She is a 13 year old Sana’ani girl with a strong presence, unconcerned that her society holds a harsh outlook and traditions towards her as a female. She did not wear the hijab, and rode bicycles and motorcycles. She played with boys and confidently declared that she would be the one to choose her husband. She dreamed of becoming a translator in the future.

 

If you are wondering what became of Najmia, read this 2019 interview with her.