Event

Petals in the Dust: The Endangered Indian Girls

Petals in the Dust: The Endangered Indian Girls examines the condition of an endangered class of people living in one of the most populous, culturally and economic vibrant countries: modern India. They come from all walks of life and share only one common trait: they are female.

A patriarchal mindset, a preference for sons and a deep-seated intolerance has led to the murder of 50 million girls and women in India in the last century. They continue to lose their lives in this century to infanticide, sex-selective abortions, starvation and medical neglect, dowry deaths and brutal gang rapes. The declining female population is also leading to increased crimes against women including trafficking and bride buying. By 2020 there will be 20 percent more men than women.

The film explores the cultural origins of this vast genocidal crime and includes the voices of activists and gender experts. By profiling the unimaginable stories of brave survivors, viewers enter the chilling realities girls and women are currently enduring, NOW, providing a sense of urgency in helping to change status quo.

Join us for a panel discussion and Q&A after the screening presented by:

Chaumtoli Huq
Founder, Law at the Margins

Tiloma Jayasinghe
Activist Fellow, Barnard Center for Research on Women
Former ED, Sakhi for South Asian Women

Anupama Rao
Associate Professor of History, Barnard College