We are here because . . .

. . .  is an inspiring and moving collection of online video and other testimonies, filmed, recorded, edited and produced by Black/women of colour, - many are are active members of All African Women’s Group a self-help group of women asylum seekers. Together with volunteers all the testimonies were produced by women.  They are the product of an invaluable process  enabling women from different backgrounds to work together, developed technical skills, and learn from each other.  The evidence they provide shines a spotlight on a brutal and hostile immigration system - designed to make people destitute, in order to detain and deport them back to the countries they fled in fear of their lives.

The majority are mothers, some have been in detention, many have been separated from their children.  All give deeply compelling and often painful accounts of what they have been, and still go through, to get protection and rebuild their lives.

Yarl's Wood hunger strikers speak out . . .

Maria describing life in Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre, UK
and why she was detained [Video]

Verna Joseph speaks about the women's hunger strike
8 February - 19 March 2010
 [Video]

Shelley, joined the hunger strike to protest
about being separated from her child 
[Video]

2010 Why women went on hunger strike in Yarl’s Wood [Transcript]

Layla, detained for five months and again for six months
"most of us are badly represented"
 [Video]

Celine's asylum claim was "fast tracked" - she was detained twice, once
when six months pregnant, and again after giving birth
 [Video]

 

All African Women's Group's self-help work . . .

Biira, founding member of the All African Women's Group's
Mothers' Campaign for Family Reunion
 [Video]

Maria describes the life-saving work
of the Group [Video]

Baby describes how her children were
taken away from her, and why . . .
 
[Video]

Mellisa single mother - winning
the right to remain in Britain . . 
. [Video]

Grace, whose baby was taken from her by
social services and given up for adoption . . . [Video]

Black Women's Rape Action Project - service users speak . . .

Women speak out against detention, deportation,
privatisation and profiteering [Video]

Michelle: "I’ve lived in the UK for almost nine years now. I’ve got my indefinite to remain in this country. I was sentenced to two years in prison for shop lifting which I did because I had to support my children and also because my husband is very abusive to me. I have two children that were born in this country . . . . " [Transcript]

Neisha: "I was in Yarl’s Wood for five months and I came out in December the 15th. I seek asylum cause I am a lesbian, and in my tribunal case, my partner came and she gave evidence and everything. I’ve given all my letters of support, all my evidence, and in my determination I was told that they didn’t believe that I was a lesbian, but the judge believed my partner . . ."  [Video]

Lucy, defending herself and her children
from domestic, and other violence
 [Video]

All those interviewed confirm that the copyright for their interviews rests with BWRAP. We expect anyone who views the clips to respect each woman’s right to be consulted before her material is reproduced or circulated in any form other than sharing the “URL”. Please contact us to discuss any other uses. We encourage private/educational use of the material, but the source must be acknowledged. THE MATERIAL MUST NOT BE USED FOR ANY COMMERICIAL OR PERSONAL FINANCIAL GAIN.

We welcome feedback – please send us your comments and/or suggestions.

Contact us for more information about our other work, or to arrange a speaker: We welcome financial or other contributions to our work. You can donate online. Cheques welcome.

A multi-media educational resource funded by Awards for All.
All digital material is the copyright of Black Women’s Rape Action Project.
Not to be reproduced without permission.

Funded by Awards for All

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