Violence against women is one of the most widespread and socially tolerated of human rights violations. It both reflects and reinforces inequities between men and women and compromises the health, dignity, security and autonomy of its survivors. Zambia, the setting for Hidden Truth, has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the world, with a 2004 study reporting that 48% of Zambian women had been subjected to violence in their home.
Zambia has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the world. 47% of all Zambian women have experienced some form of violence in their lifetimes.
Up to 70% of women experience physical or sexual violence from men in their lifetime.
Rejection of violence by women increases significantly by level of education, as well as increased economic .empowerment.
When a young girl is educated, she gains awareness of her rights
and the foundation to speak out against violence.
Filmed by the first women’s filmmaking collective in rural Zambia, Hidden Truth is an intimate portrayal of the effects of domestic violence on women and children in Samfya, a remote region of Northern Zambia.
In a country where more than half of women over the age of 15 have suffered physical abuse, and in a culture where women are discouraged from speaking out, Hidden Truth provides insight into a world that is rarely exposed.
"A lot of people get caught in the burdens they carry in their hearts. But when they share their stories, those burdens become easier to bear." Frieda, Camera and Sound, Hidden Truth
Hidden Truth was filmed by the Samfya Women Filmmakers, a group of 23 women from Samfya who got their start via Camfed’s filmmaking training program for girls and young women. They quickly recognized that they could use the power of film as a way to challenge injustices in their community and advocate for change. Many in the group were deprived of the opportunity to go to school, and some cannot read or write - but film is providing them with a powerful tool for telling their own stories, in their own voices.
For this, the Samfya Women Filmmakers’ second film, we researched topics and talked with women in the community. We learned a lot of women have been victims of domestic violence, and we wanted to make a film to help people learn about the problem and stop it.
In fact it was very hard and at times very scary. We got threatened by men, people tried to take our camera, and we were told that we had “no respect to tell this story.”
It was interesting the reaction some men had to us with our camera and gear. They were afraid of us—they thought we were going to get them arrested. One husband even confessed to us, and then started treating his wife better, even doing the housework once he thought he was going to get in trouble!
Women’s responses have been that it’s because of poverty. Women are not educated and not economically independent, and they have children to look after – that’s why often they feel unable to leave, as they have no other support.
Some people believe that if your husband beats you it means that he loves you, and if you report him then you will be accused of wanting to send your husband to jail. Now, since Hidden Truth, people are saying that women need more of an education about what path to take if they’re suffering from domestic violence.
There has definitely been a change in attitudes and behaviour since Hidden Truth. We are starting to see people living in peace. Screening the film has brought issues of domestic violence out into the open, when previously people were not comfortable discussing the topic.
The questions and answer sessions after the screenings have resulted in people talking more openly about what they have seen in the community and how they feel about domestic violence, without necessarily discussing [their own] personal issues. Lots of women have requested that the film be screened again to different people in the same area, so that more people get the opportunity to see it…women would like more sensitisation around the subject of domestic violence, along with more victim support. Chiefs in the communities have even been requesting more screenings of the films.
Audiences commented that the government should empower women with information, but also economically to reduce dependency on men. The men have been saying they would like more sensitization about the effects of domestic violence. The men themselves believe that they should discuss domestic violence within community-wide meetings
Some positive comments have been that women are now making strong statements about wanting action taken when somebody perpetrates violence. More people are voicing how they believe the government should empower women. Demands have been made on the government to formulate more laws that protect women.
I’m extremely happy that the new law has been passed to help protect women in Zambia. In addition to the passing of the law that we’ve been fighting for, I would like to see it being enforced, so that women are protected. I believe the whole community will be very happy about the passing of this law.
Hidden Truth has been a powerful tool in challenging attitudes in Zambia.
I would like to continue to screen the film in the hope that it will continue to raise awareness and sensitize attitudes surrounding the issue.
Since the film, most women know about their rights and feel more protected now, but I would still like to see women gain more respect in their community.
I hope to continue screening the film throughout Zambia, and eventually have the opportunity to screen it in many different countries in order to bring about positive change.
Hidden Truth is being screened in communities throughout Zambia, neighboring countries and the international community in order to foster dialogue, subvert misconceptions, and spark positive change.
To date, Camfed has screened Hidden Truth for an estimated 118,000 people in more than 210 communities in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Ghana. The response by women and men alike has been overwhelmingly positive. Chief Mukeya of Nchelenge district, Zambia, said, “The lessons from the film should be applied in our homes.”
In May of 2011, Zambian President Rupiah Banda signed a new gender-based violence law, ushering in a new age of legal accountability for perpetrators of domestic violence, and of increased protection for survivors.
The film’s powerful message has resonated far beyond the borders of Zambia in recognition that includes:
“The lessons from the film should be applied in our homes.” Chief Mukeya of Nchelenge district, Zambia
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