“Girl Rising” Film Debuts in Redlands, Hosted by Esri

Esri hosted a screening of “Girl Rising” to a crowd of dozens, shedding light on the daily life struggles of women and girls around the world in an eye-opening documentary that highlights female oppression in various forms. Set in nine countries, the stories of nine girls are narrated by nine different narrators in the effort to shed light on their daily lives and their struggles with early marriage, sexual assault, lack of education and poverty. Professor Leela MadhavaRau, serving as advisor to the President and Associate Dean for Campus Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Redlands, wanted to bring the film to a local audience. In a statement, she said, “We believe in the power of education to change not only a girl, but the world. By hosting a screening of ‘Girl Rising’ in Redlands, we are demonstrating our commitment to breaking down the barriers that prevent girls around the world from going to school—barriers like child marriage, sex trafficking, gender violence and discrimination. We are proud to be part of this growing movement, raising visibility in Redlands alongside thousands of other events worldwide.” One of the stories discussed in the documentary follows the life of Senna, of Peru, who escapes her poverty-stricken life through poetry. Documentary watchers also meet Ruksana, of India, who drew her worries away, escaping into the world of color and paintings; and Marioma, of Sierra Leone, whose mother married her uncle after the death of her father due to cultural mores that dictate that a brother assume the familial responsibilities of his brother should he die. Jennifer Ares and her daughter Alina shared that they walked away from the film screening feeling more appreciative for what they have in life. Jennifer’s friend, Tysa, and her daughter Chelsea, who accompanied them to the film’s debut, stated that the film “makes you think about how we should really be thankful for what we have.”