We’re thrilled to welcome Rachel M’Bon, the Co-Director of “Je suis noires/Becoming A Black Woman” as our keynote speaker, who will open the event by sharing the backstory of her documentary.

“Je suis noires/Becoming A Black Woman” is the first film in Switzerland that gives a voice to black Swiss women and denounces systemic racism in Switzerland and abroad.

It is in this context that Rachel M’Bon begins her own search for identity. On her way to liberation, she questions her past, her present and holds up a mirror to her country and her peers. Together with filmmaker Juliana Fanjul, the Swiss-Congolese journalist, she interrogates her country and portrays six protagonists. Each of them tells a story that reflects her own personal path to liberation.

On 24 March 2023, the film won the Swiss Film Award in the short film category.

Rachel M’Bon will open the event with a keynote speech that will be followed by the film screening (50 minutes), and an intimate conversation in small groups.

This event is inclusive, and we’re looking forward to hosting a highly diverse audience.

Whether you possess an in-depth knowledge of the film's themes or simply aspire to broaden your awareness, we invite you to attend. Feel free to bring along your friends, colleagues, and family, as well as anyone interested in joining the conversation. Your input and perspective are greatly valued, and we would love to hear your voice.

About the organizers:

LEAN IN NETWORK Switzerland is a community of women from all walks of life who want to dream, dare, and do together. We focus on closing the gender gap across all aspects of society and aim to equip ourselves with knowledge, tools, and network to reach that goal, while fostering personal and professional growth. Learn more about Lean In Network Switzerland here: www.leaninswitzerland.org.

We’re excited to be co-organizing this event in partnership with PROWAH.

PROWAH stands for “The Professional Women of African Heritage” and it’s an initiative which aims to empower professional women of African heritage to connect, learn from one another and expand their professional and leadership skills to become change agents who shape the African narrative and impact their surroundings. Learn more about PROWAH here: https://prowah.org/

Agenda:

17:30 - 18:00: Door opens

18:00 - 18:15: Welcome by Lean In Network Switzerland & PROWAH

18:15 - 18:30: Keynote speech by Rachel M’Bon

18:30 - 19:30: Film screening “Je suis noires/Becoming A Black Woman”

19:30 - 20:15: Conversation in circles

20:15 - 20:30: Closing

20:30 - 21:30: Apéro with African food & music!