This Wednesday saw a packed preview screening of The Cave, a necessary documentary following a dedicated team of female doctors who saved thousands of lives in war-torn Syria. The screening was followed by an insightful Q&A with Oscar® nominated director Feras Fayyad and producer Kirstine Barfod, in which they shared about the production process and Dr Amani’s bravery and uniqueness in a deeply patriarchal society.
The population in Syria is suffering ongoing human rights abuses, with dozens of attacks against medical facilities and camps for displaced people happening in the Idlib region, the last stronghold of the opposition to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The UN estimates Idlib is home to 3 million people, including 1 million children, more than 40% of these come from other areas previously held by opposition forces.
During the Q&A, Feras Fayyad explained how Dr Amani was the first woman to ever manage a hospital in Syria, in a country where men are 90% more likely to attain managerial positions than women, only 12% of the workforce are women (source: The Global Gender Gap report 2018). Now, Dr Amani’s actions are providing a model for young women in Syria to change society.
The screening was met with extremely positive feedback - and with a drive to take action and to try and bring change. Here are some ways you can help.
Donate to the Al Amal Hope Fund
Launched by KBF CANADA and the King Baudouin Foundation to recognize and honor Dr. Amani Ballour, this fund will support female leaders in conflict zones and provide female medical workers with aid that helps to ensure their health while assisting conflict affected populations. It will also educate and equip future generations of female leaders and children in conflict zones to break down gender barriers.
Support the CanDo Action charity
This charity was set up by British-Syrian doctor Rola Hallam initially to crowdfund to build a new children's hospital after one was bombed in Aleppo. They built Hope Hospital in northern Syria, which is now run by the Independent Doctors Association. CanDo runs specific crowdfunding campaigns in partnership with local Syrian charities.
Find out more about the Women Now for Development
This Syrian NGO aims to engender the development of a society governed by democracy, freedom and justice – a society where women have a meaningful role in everyday life.
Sign the Petition for Truth
The general public cannot become numb to the human rights atrocities occurring in conflict zones around the world. The personal journey of Dr. Amani and her fellow doctors in The Cave showcases the need to champion those unknown defenders of human rights. The Petition for Truth sheds light on the ongoing truth of violence faced by innocent victims on the ground in Syria. This petition recognises the unwavering efforts of female humanitarian/health workers and calls for investment and access to medicines through development policies and the basic right to life. Sign the Petition for Truth and #StandWithDrAmani.
Help us spread the word and spark discussion
Share about The Cave on social media and use this custom-developed Discussion Guide to help your students or community group engage in meaningful dialog around the topics featured in the film. Additional resources support deeper learning, and help further the conversation beyond the classroom or screening room setting.