Out of Kenya’s population of 53 million, 8 million are widows. In rural Kenya, where tribalism and patriarchal values rule, there exists a rising tension between the ingrained culture and the evolving world. Here, wives live on the same compound as their husbands’ families — but when their husbands die, unless they are “inherited” by one of their brothers-in-law, these women find themselves disowned and treated like second-class citizens.
Unloved and unwanted, rejected widows must contend with in-laws who have granted themselves dominion over their fate and dignity. Powerless, these women are left to suffer having the title deeds to their husbands’ land stripped from them.
The subjugated women who now “walk in their husbands’ shoes” — taking on the farming, managing the upkeep of their homes and running their households — find a hero and advocate in Rodah Nafula Wekesa, the “widow champion.” A widowed matriarch herself, who was thrown off her land by her in-laws, Rodah expertly navigates the distrust among grieving family members by strategically focusing on repair while still honoring tribal, cultural and modern laws.
She spearheads a courageous movement, rallying fellow widows to reclaim their rightful property. Amid the clash of tradition and progress, her narrative unfolds, depicting the tension between the widow and her in-laws.
“Westerners could learn a lot from Rodah and her restorative approach to justice that restores peace in homes and her community,” said Shakira Refos, Programmer Documentaries for the Tribeca Film Festival.
This film screening at the upcoming Tribeca Film Festival will have even the hardest hearts weeping toward the end. The rules set up for the widows leave them struggling and begging for some semblance of respect and land upon which to grow rice in order to make a living.
In Mary’s case, her late husband’s family claims that she killed him, as the both had contracted HIV and previously Mary had visited her ancestral home. The brother-in-law sort of hints that she can stay in one of his rental homes if Mary acquiesces to being his second wife.
The laws dictate that families have to go before the elders as a way to reconcile the disputes over land titles.
As much as Rodah tries to help Mary and others, while hunting down her own title after her husband’s death, her efforts for Mary are a bit too late.
“Widow Champion” is a phenomenal film that looks at an African culture that discards their widows like they are nothing—with said widows having to fight tooth and nail to recover what is rightfully theirs.
“It is a testament to the power of resolute women who rise up against patriarchal traditions to claim the piece of the pie that is rightfully theirs, because every woman should have the right to land of her own,” said Lucila Moctezuma, a Tribeca principal.
Zippy Kimundu is Director and Producer, with Heather Courtney also as a Producer.
Take a look at the trailer: https://tinyurl.com/2zx7e79w.
For information and virtual screening information and New York screening times, visit https://tinyurl.com/4bhfe4ux.
Elaine Hegwood Bowen, M.S.J., is the Entertainment Editor for the Chicago Crusader. She is a National Newspaper Publishers Association Entertainment Writing’ award winner, contributor to “Rust Belt Chicago” and the author of “Old School Adventures from Englewood: South Side of Chicago.” For info, Old School Adventures from Englewood-South Side of Chicago (lulu.com)