I Will Not Be Silenced

In 2006, Charlotte Campbell Stephen was raped by multiple attackers during a violent robbery in Kenya. Working in the slums of Nairobi, this Australian woman has discovered that many women are being subjected to sexual violence. Surrounded by fear and shame, this subject is rarely discussed, and the rapists are hardly ever punished. Charlotte plans to use her case to bring about change. But while the police detective is supportive and the perpetrators are already in detention, the Kenyan justice system seems to be working against her. For seven long years, this courageous woman battles against her assailants’ defense, while they resort to defaming her, making documents disappear and blackmailing judges. The camera follows Charlotte as the case gets postponed again and again, month after month, year after year. In parallel with this protracted court case, we see her at work in the shantytowns where she and a group of fellow victims attempt to raise women’s awareness of their rights. Although there’s much frustration, sorrow and despair, the development worker never loses her faith that these strong Kenyan women will dare to change and create a culture in which no perpetrator is above the law.