Documentary filmmaker Maureen Castle Tusty's latest film, "She Rises Up," explores the dynamics between female economic oppression and their communities' financial instability by showcasing the stories of three women entrepreneurs - Magatte from Senegal, Gladys from Peru, and Selyna from Sri Lanka. All three are trying to carve a niche for themselves in the international economy while simultaneously empowering their communities.
The film underscores the point that women can have a substantial global economic impact comparable to the US and China if allowed the same opportunities as men. Each of the women's entrepreneurial efforts is directed towards making work accessible for women.
The film showcases various barriers faced by the trio. It shows Selyna's endeavor in the textile industry and reveals the economic impact of the lack of sexual health education through the lives of mother-daughter duo Nirmala and Madhusha. They launched a production of reusable pads for counteracting "Period poverty."
Gladys established two convenience stores in Peru to provide employment to her family and to set a positive example for her daughter.
Finally, Magatte from Senegal started a business selling local beverages to sustain the female labor force at the markets and preserve the local culture. However, the capitalist influence of major soft drink brands forced her to relocate production to China.
Unfortunately, "She Rises Up" struggles to resonate emotionally with the audience as it seems stuck in an overly straightforward layout of revealing motivations and personal stories then detailing government resistance. It appears more like a school presentation and lacks a finesse that could have made the information more memorable.
Despite its shortcomings, the film's key takeaway lies in Magatte's statement: "To have a heart for the poor is easy; to have a mind for the poor is the challenge." This message hits home as one understands that a third of the world's nations have laws barring women from employment while they also happen to be some of the poorest countries.
