Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Challenges for refugee women and mothers around the world

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the world-first premiere of a new theatrical production called the “Baulkham Hills African Ladies Troupe” which has just started its run in Sydney.

The production is the brainchild of writer and director Ros Horin, a member of Australia for UNHCR's Women's Committee that helps raise funds for UNHCR's women's health initiatives. It tells the real-life story of four powerful African women, three of whom are refugees. Not only have they helped write the play but they also appear as first time actors in it.

The Baulkham Hills African Ladies Troupe (Photo by H. Lohr)

I hear many stories of refugees but this is one of the most raw, moving and inspiring testaments to the resilience of refugee women I have experienced outside refugee camps. I took my two teenage children who were both confronted by the stories they heard but also swept up in the joy and laughter that characterised the play. I urge everyone who has the opportunity to go and see this production which goes to the heart of the experience of refugee women. The details are below: