Shakirah (29), entrepreneur and activist, a vivid presence on social media where she fights to preserve the heritage of her home district – Bo-Kaap, Cape Town – against rampant gentrification. 50 kilometres away in Strand, Western Cape, 27-year-old Rughshana builds a second career in comedy, using humour to explore the “forbidden” world of dating and her community’s obsession with marriage. The work of art student Rushda (32), in the university town of Stellenbosch, prominently features the hijab and ideas about female identity.

Three unique women with a common heritage. “Cape Malay” Muslims trace their roots back to Indonesian forced labourers and slaves. In today’s South Africa, Shakirah, Rughshana and Rushda are equal under the law – but struggle against the confines of family and community expectations and pigeonholing by wider society. An-Nisaa (Women), a 30’ interview-led documentary, explores how they use their creative mediums to challenge taboos, widen the conversation and define their futures whilst remaining true to their faith.

Director(s): Thaakirah Behardien
2021 | 31 minutes
South Africa
Language(s): English, Afrikaans
Subtitles: English