Each year, on the occasion of International Human Rights Day (December 10), embassies of the Kingdom of the Netherlands screen worldwide a documentary film on human rights that has been selected by Amnesty International. 

This year the documentary ‘Forbidden Voices’ will be screened at the NVIC - Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Cairo on Tuesday, December 10 at 7pm (precisely, doors open at 6:30 pm). Drinks are served afterwards.

‘Forbidden Voices’ is a documentary by Barbara Miller, subtitled in English, of 96 min (see www.forbiddenvoices.net). The film portrays three influential cyber feminists from Cuba, China and Iran who keep blogging about the abuses in their countries, despite constant resistance. With indefatigable determination, they keep people around the world informed about the abuses taking place in their countries.

On the Internet, their voices are skillfully shielded. But the famous bloggers Yoani Sánchez, Zeng Jinyan and Farnaz Seifi aren't afraid of the regimes in their respective home countries of Cuba, China and Iran. We get to witness the highs and lows of their lives. What do you do if you want more attention for women's rights in Iran, only to discover that Google intentionally blocks the word ‘woman’ in searches? How do bloggers fight back against the ‘Great Firewall of China’, protected by 40,000 cyber cops? 

The unequal struggle of these cyber feminists is an exhaustive one and takes its toll on their personal lives. Following a stint in prison for ‘acting against national security’, Iranian journalist Farnaz Seifi felt compelled to flee her country. With help from Reporters without Borders, she continues her mission elsewhere. It's not surprising that these fearless ladies were named among the world's most influential people by TIME Magazine.