Not Yet Rain Debut and Chat with Filmmaker

A couple weeks ago, I posted about the new film Not Yet Rain. Not Yet Rain is a documentary exploring the experiences of Ethiopian women in regards to the new(er) abortion laws and the current reality of access to care. It's a small spotlight on a global issue--and well worth checking out: You can watch the 30 minute film here.

Earlier this morning I participated in a chat with filmmaker Lisa Russell and Anu Kumar, Executive Vice President Development and Communications, for Ipas. Ipas is a producer of the film. Below is an incomplete transcript, as I didn't get a chance to copy all the remarks due to time constraints and trying to keep up with the conversation. It was mentioned that some of the remarks may be put into the Q&A section on Not Yet Rain's site.

Ipas: A question submitted before the chat--How willing were the women in this film to share their stories?

Lisa Russell: Because of the sensitivity of the subject matter, I had asked the clinic staff to explain to the women what I was doing there. All 3 at the Zeway Health Center offered to share their stories in an effort to help other women in Ethiopia.

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Regina: why did you choose to focus the film in Ethiopia exclusively and not illustrate the problem through several countries or continents? Perhaps it was time or money. But if not I'd love to hear why one place only?

Anu Kumar: Indeed, it was primarily time and money. We also wanted to highlight a country where is change is happening, though challenges still exist.

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Emily Douglas: Ethiopia's abortion law is far more progressive than abortion laws in most African countries. How was the country able to advance? Is there something unique about its political culture? And what hope is there for other countries liberalizing their laws?

Anu Kumar: The Ethiopia law was changed through a process of constitutional reform and involved a wide array of stakeholders. In fact, South Africa served as an example for Ethiopia and we are hopeful that other countries in the region will also follow.

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Dilly Severin: It seemed there was a sub-theme in this movie about women's vulnerability to violence. From a rights perspective, do you think there is a link between lack of access to abortion services and violence against women?

Anu Kumar: Sexual violence and access to abortion services are connected in that they both represent violations of women's human rights.

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Misty, Shakesville:I was wondering about how life is like for women like Tigist after they return from having the procedure. Will a woman be able to go on and have a "normal life" or will there be a stigma attached to her? Have the new laws helped lift any stigma?

Lisa Russell: Tigist life will has changed remarkably after having the procedure. She can go on to get a job, get an education, and pursue her goals. We made all attempts to keep her story and experience private.

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Jessica, PPFA International: How common is it that women who do not fall into the stipulations (minors, been raped, etc.) are able to access safe abortion services?

Anu Kumar: We don't have specific data that would answer this question. The law permits abortion for many reasons incuding for women under 18. Regardless of the law, Ipas is working to make sure women have information and the ability to get the services they need.

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Dilly Severin: Other than the new abortion law, is anything being done (policy-wise) to improve women's access to other forms of family planning in Ethiopia?

Lisa Russell Excellent question...While there are efforts to increase awareness about the law, more work needs to be done to ensure women, particularly in the rural areas, are getting the information that safe services exist.

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Misty, Shakesville:The film highlighted Asnaketch's son and he espoused some progressive views--does it appear the views regarding empowering women are becoming more common among younger generations?

Lisa Russell: Asnaketch's son is educated and therefore he is getting information about what can be done to improve women's health in Ethiopia. Asnaketch has also taken great care to inform her son of her experiences which has helped to define his point of view.

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Emily Douglas: What are the prospects for overturning the Helms Amendment? It seems like so much of the advocacy around repealing the global gag rule made clear that the US would still not fund abortion. Taking on Helms would force us to make a bigger argument for the need for safe abortion and abortion as a human right.

Anu Kumar: In the near term, the administration can re-interpret the Helms amendment to make it more open. In the longer terms, we need a discussion in this country about the health impact of unsafe abortion and what we can do as a nation.

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Dilly Severin: The two women in the video were quite young. Would you say this issue is not just an issue of a needing to empower women but to empower youth as well?

Lisa Russell: Yes, definitely. And I think that is true for young people all over. Educating and empowering young people about their rights for reproductive health, will help create a healthier global society.

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Ipas: Another question submitted earlier-- What would you say is most needed in Ethiopia right now to prevent these deaths?

Anu Kumar: Ethiopians need wider access to family planning and access to safe abortion care. But to achieve lasting change, Ethiopian society (like others) needs to value the lives of women of girls and invest in them.

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Misty, Shakesville:I was wondering about the training of medical providers. We are facing a shortage here due to lack of training and doctors retiring--what is it like there in terms of getting medical personnel trained in abortion care? I mean, are medical personnel looking for this training and finding a lack of teachers? Or is it like here with "conscience" objectors also being an issue in getting enough people to provide for care?

Anu Kumar: In Ethiopia, thousands of women die from unsafe abortion. The government has prioritized the training of medical personnel and Ipas is assisting them, but this is a complex and difficult task.

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Ipas: One more question submitted early-- How do you hope that the film will be used?

Lisa Russell: We will be distributing the film in many ways. Besides a large online presence, we will be working with advocacy partners on screenings and other events. We are also aiming to put the film into the hands of young people, to create a conversation about progress for international women's health. Check out our site at http://www.NotYetRain.org for updates.

Hopefully this helped shed a little light on the film and issues. I found some of the answers to be a bit unsatisfactory in terms of depth but I'm fairly sure that was an issue with limiting space of the chat format itself and not with anyone involved. If/when there is a complete transcript, I'll update the post.