An old saying states that women hold up half the sky. Unfortunately, women also comprise the majority of the world’s poor and often suffer the deadly effects of gender inequality.

Mariposa AAUW (American Association of University Women) and Mountain Crisis Services will host a screening of the documentary film Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide on Thursday, August 13, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors’ Chambers (at: 5100 Bullion Street). The film was part of the Emmy Award-winning PBS series Independent Lens and is based on the best-selling book of the same name by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn.

Viewers will join Kristof and celebrity activists as they travel to several countries in Asia and Africa to hear the stories of courageous individuals who are working to bring about change for women and girls. The film squarely addresses gritty realities of the global oppression of women, including trafficking and gender-based violence. It also explores meaningful solutions which are being fashioned through healthcare, education, and economic empowerment for women and girls. Because of the strong themes, parental discretion is advised.

There will be a discussion with a panel of experts following the screening. They will highlight the film’s relevance to our community and explore what actions individuals can take. 

Sonora Tacos will be on site at 5:00 p.m. selling refreshments prior to the film.

Mountain Crisis Services is a Mariposa-based organization dedicated to preventing domestic and sexual violence through advocacy, education and direct services. For more information, visit: www.mountaincrisisservices.org. Mariposa AAUW is a 90-member branch of the national organization dedicated to advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. To learn more, visit: www.aauwmariposa.com.