Film Screening and Discussion – Rule Breakers

Event

In a nation where educating girls is seen as rebellion, a visionary woman dares to teach young minds to dream. When their innovation draws global attention, their success sparks hope—and opposition. As threats loom and sacrifices are made, their courage and unity ignite a movement that could forever transform the world.

This one-night-only film screening of Rule Breakers, directed by two-time Oscar-winner Bill Guttentag, and co-organized by our Geneva Human Rights Platform, the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, and Women for Afghanistan, will explore the role of education and technology in shaping the future of young people, particularly girls.

The film tells the true story of Afghanistan’s first all-girls robotics team, showcasing their resilience, determination, and the power of education to drive social change. Set in a country where educating girls is considered an act of defiance, Rule Breakers follows the journey of a pioneering woman who challenges societal norms by encouraging young minds to pursue careers traditionally closed off to Afghan women. These young women, drawn to the world of technology, are inspired to think beyond the traditional paths available to them, pushing against cultural boundaries that have long defined their futures. As their groundbreaking innovation gains international recognition, these courageous women become symbols of hope—and targets of opposition.

The film offers a dramatized interpretation of their inspiring journey as members of Afghanistan's first all-girls robotics team, shedding light on their determination to break through barriers and change the future for girls in Afghanistan and beyond.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session, moderated by Richard Bennett, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan.

Directed by two-time Oscar-winner Bill Guttentag and produced by Laura Overdeck.

Welcome

Domenico Zipoli, Project Coordinator, Geneva Human Rights Platform

Opening Address

Richard Bennett, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan

Film Screening and Panel Discussion

Roya Mahboob, Co-Founder of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team 'Afghan Dreamers', First Female CEO of a Tech Company in Afghanistan, Digital Citizen
Somaya Faruqi, Afghan student and engineer, Captain of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team 'Afghan Dreamers'

Moderator

Laura Haigh, Gender Advisor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, OHCHR

Disclaimer

This event may be filmed, recorded and/or photographed on behalf of the Geneva Academy. The Geneva Academy may use these recordings and photographs for internal and external communications for information, teaching and research purposes, and/or promotion and illustration through its various media channels (website, social media, newsletters, annual report, etc.).

By participating in this event, you are agreeing to the possibility of appearing in the aforementioned films, recordings and photographs, and their subsequent use by the Geneva Academy.