Hello from a little town in New Mexico, USA. We currently have about 40 students from Cameroon on University visas. Some were able to watch the show Sisters in Law, but many were not. I was able to watch the one showing of the episode Independent Lens, late at night, but was unable to tape it. I was however able to see what a beautiful country Cameroon is, as it has been described to me. Through your lens, I was able to see other examples of this culture that has gently influenced my town. We here are grateful for your work.
As.an.American.child.living.in.kumba.in.the
1970s.I.was.totally.thrilled.to.re-visit.some.of.the.places.and.sounds.of.my
childhood.The.women.of.this.film.are
facinating.and.exceptional--What.a.fabulous
film----Thank-you.so.much!!
Last night was a refreshing eye-opener as I viewed the Independent Lens film entitled, "Sisters In Law." I traveled to Yaounde, Bamenda and Douala, Cameroon and was struck by its beauty and its wonderful people. The "pidgin" English was most interesting. Bamenda was the English-speaking region that I visited and Yaounde and Douala are French-speaking. I became very upset with the Auntie who was beating her niece. The little niece was so sweet and kind and I felt that the Auntie was taking all of her own frustrations in life out on the little girl by beating and torturing her. BRAVO!!! to the women of law enforcement in Kumba, Cameroon! They were fair, strict and brilliant as they settled the problems that came before them. The pretty wife who wanted to leave her Muslim husband was strong and I was offended by the men who made up the Muslim court who, after brow-beating the wife, finally gave her the divorce she truly needed. FANTASTIC FILM!! Thank You, PBS!
During the film, i kept thinking "it's like this everywhere". Though i know that people can at times be less than human, there will always be those who set examples of what humanity truly is. This film appealed to me to be dedicated not only to exhibiting female injustices, but also for human rights.It's people like Beatrice and Vera who keep the perception of right and wrong in check. They so rightly render that abuse and rape against women of all ages and under any circumstance, is unacceptable. I can't thank them enough for being good people.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Florence and Kim
OMG, I'm still crying after watching the Independent Film episode "Sisters In Law" that just aired and I was glued to my seat. What a wonderful and powerful film.
I am married to a wonderful Nigerian/Igbo man who was raised in a household where his parents treat each other with love, respect, and as equals, and have passed this along to their children, including my husband. I have seen many women both here in the USA and Nigeria that are not treated this way, and am VERY glad to see sistah Judge Beatrice Ntuba and Vera Ngassa doing something to change this to empower the women of Cameroon. The word of their work will spread throughout other African countries and help to empower more women in Africa, as well.
Kudos to the man that took Manka to Judge Beatrice and Vera to get her help, and that he didn't have the view that she deserved to be beaten by her aunty. But, I'm also wondering, as some of the other posters are, WHY did the authorities in Cameroon let this woman in the UK adopt her when clearly Manka has an extended family that love and care for her very much?!? Manka needs to be with them.
I'm crying while writing this response regarding the independence lens titled "Sister In-law" aired Decmber 29, 2007 at about 1A.M.
I am a Nigerian by birth, and a strong supported for a "better Africa". I am exceedingly impressed and happy for the extent and seriousnes of the documentary's content. That issues like this are broadcast, sets a standard for people like me who extremely desrire to contribute to the betterment of my race and ofcourse our liberation from oppressions and exploitations
I feel great empathy for my race and those who can't have a better life like I do. And infact "will" return home to contribute to the glorification of the cause of my people. Africans like myself would appreciate if more programs as this is broadcasted in American and/or other western media conduits, to inform the ill-informed western population of African grievances, and suffering, and to do this in a less degrading manner. I am really thankful to the pioneers of this documentary. I would add further that more of such should be analyzed, especially about the suffering population "The Poor" of African countries.
I'm tired of organizations projecting African countries as a war zone in order to raise fund partly for their profits. If more awareness is created about the situations in Africa in this manner, more younger African indigens would have appetite to return home to give back to whence they hailed. If all of us remain here in the developed countries, who then is going to develop the under developed countries. Once again, I thank you for broadcasting this documentary, and would like to add that Thirteen is doing a remarkable job in improving global societies and diverse cultural heritage.
In this Independent Lens, the story is about the administration of justice in Cameroon. The show stresses women's rights. Furthermore, the show goes through several cases from child beating, divorce, and adultery.
I find a great deal of similarity between justice in Cameroon to justice in America. The law was about local laws. Also, the story was similar to what I see on local TV here in America.
I thought this show was similar to an American football game. The show's example of a good citizen was an athlete. This was the level of justice-a sporting event. Finally, many of the laws in Cameroon were family laws.
Wow, what a truly amazing and inspiring film. My heart broke for little Manka, and it is breaking for her once again. I hope and pray she will remain with her family in Cameroon. Hugs and kisses to you, you beautiful and brave little girl.
I loved the way the s@#t talking lawyer for the husband was put in his place when he tried to go with business as usual of the husband owning the wife. This gives me hope for Africa to see such strong women standing up for what is fair and just. Women like this can change the world!
This film repeated itself here on TV at about 4 am. I was skipping channels and happened upon it and could not turn myself away from it! I am so proud of these women and hopefully this movement will spread to other areas where women are treated in this manner. I love independent lens for providing a different perspective on the issues of our times.
Poor Manka! I was distressed to hear that little Manka has been stripped from her family once again to live in the United Kingdom?! Why do white people feel they have to take kids away from their native culture! She looked as if she were happy with her uncle's family, too. I don't understand how they let this happen. Hasn't that little girl suffered enough?? As wonderful as this film is, it's disheartening to read that one little girl's story didn't have a very happy ending. I hope when she's grown she can revisit and be a part of a changed Cameroon.
I love "Sisters In Law." Five minutes into watching the story my husband sat down beside me and didn't get up until after Sisters In Law" was over. Neither one of us ever imagined the women of Cameroon were so strong. This viewing experience was very humbling and also made me very aware of all the advantges I tend to take for granted. Thank you for putting my perspective back in balance.
Great! This film is a proud feminist showing of a league of strong African legal sisterhood, practicing the law in Cameroon. From the sweet 10 year old, the cute Manka Grace and the 2 adult women self actualizing after years of marital constraint. God bless all of these women, the ones serving and the ones being served. Whether young or adult, women around the globe are struggling to push the envelope to insure their rights, so that they dream of the opportunity to blossom to the fullest. Bravo!!!
I have to say that, although I'm well aware of the ongoing struggle for women's rights in the world, it was quite a pleasant shock to stumble across this film after a very difficult day as the mother of two young American girls. I think that I, at least, tend to take for granted the way things are for females in the United States; the freedom, rights and (dare I say?) power that we have so recently fought for and earned. I can only imagine the power that this film might have at a women's shelter in my state, or a classroom, or anywhere!
I am so grateful for the opportunity to see the stories of these sisters. As I marvel in their courage and determination, I hope others are inspired to make necessary changes, regardless of difficulty or social stigma.
I have had, all day long, those women's faces dancing before me. What an impression they made on this woman in Arizona. I was also thinking about Manka's story, What a strong little girl she is. Her intelligence, and will to live, was so strong that she was able to leave and go to strangers for help. That is quite a story she will be able to tell her grandchildren.
Thank you.
What else can be said but...Brava!!!
Years ago, here in the US I met a women from Cameroon. I call her my sister. As a writer and motivational speaker we talked about the posibilities of American women helping women in Cameroon. This film has re-energized my dream. I pray that soon I will be able to foster change there as well!
What a wonderful show! My beautiful daughter-in-law is from Kumba, and it was so exciting to see where she was born and grew up, and hear the moving stories of people in the film.
A wonderful, inspiring film! I am an African woman studying law the the U.S. and this film has energized me and reminded me of why I chose to study law.
Wonderful film...it kept me awake and THAT'S SAYING A LOT about network television. Perhaps it's because the film is INDEPENDENT??!!
I was mesmerized by this movie. Having lived and worked in Cameroon for 3 years in the 1970s it felt like going home! I even remembered my Pidgin English and didn't need the sub-titles! West Africa is full of strong women, it is good to hear their voices and see them honored in this way, thank you
Dear Sisters in Law filmmakers -
I have never been more profoundly moved by such a quiet, yet powerful film. What many of us women in the western world have dealt with gender bias and sexism in subtle ways was so easily presented and understood with "small words" as one of the plaintiff's lawyers said. In this little village in a rural area of Cameroon, there was level headed justice being meted out in a compassionate and righteous court. All were allowed to speak their minds in the best way they knew how, and then the facts were discerned in such a direct and deliberate way. And for two muslim women to have their cases resolved in their favor for the first time in Cameroon was just incredible. In many ways, I wish the U.S. domestic and family courts worked as well. Bravo to the filmmakers and to the Women's Lawyers Association. They are doing such important work there.
I have always been a fan of the Independent Lens series, but 'Sisters In Law" honestly had me glued to my seat, shouting "hallejuahs" and "amens" at the television! I have been in a long-term relationship for almost 7 years with a West African man (Nigeria/Yoruba) with whom I have a daughter with, and we have had more than enough heated debates about the way women are treated in African culture, with the conversations always ending in a agree to disagree conclusion. I always tell him that Nigeria and other West African nations are about 60 years behind in their laws and practices regarding women and children and to just wait-their suffrage moment will be coming sooner than they think...Well, Sisters In Law is a far cry from building a National Organization for Women(N.O.W.)-but hail to the sisters for trying! This documentary gives hope to all the women who have endured injustice for far too long over there, it gives hope to their children for the future, but most of all, it gives hope to me---hopefully one day, I will feel comfortable enough to tell my daughter about how great life can be in her father's homeland for women!
I enjoyed the documentary thoroughly! Very inspiring and moving! It is not too often we get to see people in positions like these 2 sisters, standing up for what is right and fighting for a difference. I applaud their work and pray that it may continue to enrich the lives of those in Cameroon. We need more women like this in the world.
I was really moved by the file Sisters In Law. Being from a violent childhood, myself, I really was happy that Manka (I hope is spelled correctly) and the women that wanted to divorce and the brave rape victim had Vera and Beatrice there to fight for them. Most of all, that they were there to save them. It was the grace of God that Kim and Florence were sent to them to tell their story and allow me to witness that they were saved.
Do you do a follow-up to let us know how they are doing, today?
E kuu se O!!! Well done!!! Florence and Kim, I absolutely loved your film "Sisters in Law"!!!!! Not only did I love the film it moved me to tears. And believe me, that's an extremely difficult thing to accomplish... I cried when I called a friend to tell a friend about the film and what it brought out of me. While watching the film I instantly realized — was reminded of my [own] purpose, my anyanmo (destiny). Mo dupe! Meda ase! I had been feeling so incredibly lost and steadily losing my tight grip on faith/hope because I was so distracted by watching myself drown in all the pain and suffering of my own life. This/your film was a life line that gave me the strength — the [inner] vision to save myself. To feel my own empowerment and need to go "home" — to the Motherland to be with/around my sistahs and be of service, to learn, to grow to help to teach to build to transform and be transformed. To put all that I've learned, survived and INsperienced to use in a way that transcends all the muck of my own life/experiences — the chains that bind my spirit and heart as much as they've bound my flesh and thoughts. Again, Adupe O for helping me see who I am through the women (and girls) of your film. Thank you for helping me release the transforming tears I wouldn't shed for myself. Also I'd love to know how to get in touch with the sistah Judge Beatrice Ntuba and Vera Ngassa. I saw that Manka was "adopted by a woman in the UK", I hope she's Afrikan... Congratulations on the film. Nailah
When I saw this film I invisioned two lionesses protecting their other sister sin the pride. Protecting the cubs.As a black american woman I wanted to tell them we are your sisters to. We are from the same pride but on different continents. Please remember us. We remember you.
This film touched deep in my soul.
OMG, I just finished watching this and I was actually crying all throughout the film. Its a wonder how the sisters-in-law can maintain a straight face while confronting these abusers. I hope and pray that even in small countries, they will eventually wake up and realize that violence against women (whether or not they are married) is WRONG!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I often take my freedom forgranted. But your show clearly reminded me of the great blessings I have in being a North American woman, with a Master's degree and most of all - and a great deal more freedom to live a good life.
I also send compliments to the judge and lawyer highlighted in this show. Wisdom, kindness, mercy and grace definately exemplify them. Thank you for such a wonderful portrayal of these ladies.
Fabulous film. It was thoroughly engaging and inspiring. Thanks for all who helped to make it happen.