Forbidden Voices

Despite constant resistance, influential cyber feminists from Cuba, China and Iran keep blogging about the abuses in their countries. With indefatigable determination, they keep people around the world informed about the abuses taking place in their countries.

On the Internet, their voices are skillfully shielded. But the famous bloggers Yoani Sánchez, Zeng Jinyan and Farnaz Seifi aren't afraid of the dictatorial regimes in their respective home countries of Cuba, China and Iran. We get to witness the highs and lows of their lives. What do you do if you want more attention for women's rights in Iran, only to discover that Google intentionally blocks the word ‘woman’ in searches? How do bloggers fight back against the ‘Great Firewall of China’, protected by 40,000 cyber cops? The unequal struggle of these cyber feminists is an exhaustive one and takes its toll on their personal lives. Following a stint in prison for ‘acting against national security’, Iranian journalist Farnaz Seifi felt compelled to flee her country. With help from Reporters without Borders, she continues her mission from the Western world. It's not surprising that these fearless ladies were named among the world's most influential people by TIME Magazine.

In January 2013 Cuba eased travel restriction for citizens. Activist Yoani Sánchez is one of the activists in the A Matter of ACT programme who will attend the Movies that Matter Festival.