POTO MITAN: Haitian Women, Pillars of the Global Economy

Please join us as we host People of Color United (POCU) Students of Amherst High School for this special fundraiser screening of: POTO MITAN: Haitian Women, Pillars of the Global Economy (50 mins).

"Told through compelling lives of five courageous Haitian women workers, Poto Mitan gives the global economy a human face. Each woman’s personal story explains neoliberal globalization, how it is gendered, and how it impacts Haiti: inhumane working/living conditions, violence, poverty, lack of education, and poor health care. While Poto Mitan offers in-depth understanding of Haiti, its focus on women’s subjugation, worker exploitation, poverty, and resistance demonstrates these are global struggles. Finally, through their collective activism, these women demonstrate that despite monumental obstacles in a poor country like Haiti, collective action makes change possible."

Co-Director of the film Renee Bergan was in Amherst for the Feb. 1 film showing to support education about and fundraising for Haiti. The showing at Amherst Cinema, sold out 2 shows and raised $3,335. Those proceeds were divided in half and sent to Partners in Health, to support urgent medical needs, and to Fonkoze, to help Haitian women rebuild Haiti through micro-financing.

For more info on the film, the film makers and the film's characters, please check out www.potomitan.net.

There will be a suggested donation of $5-$10. POCU will send donations and proceeds from the sale of refreshments to Partners in Health. For more information please contact: Naimah Z. Petigny - POCU 413-204-6031 or tk karakashian at 413-253-5432 / tanya@foodforthoughtbooks.com