The goal of this project is to shed light on the issue of self-immolation involving young women in the Middle East and Central Asia, through the lens of survivors’ stories. The vast majority of those undertaking the act are young, married women and the majority of self-immolations involving women in this region occur in the midst of a family dispute, follow a number of repeated threats, and involve questions of forced marriage and domestic violence.
While approaching this subject with the utmost sensitivity and compassion that it deserves, I wanted to amplify these women’s voices by way of a song which was created with their testimonials, and offer up a medium through which the public can grapple with the complexities of their lives and struggles.
I acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
