The Forgotten Women Of Indenture: Unseen, Unheard, Unbreakable (Part 1)

Between 1860 and 1911, more than 70 ships embarked on 384 voyages between India and the British colony of Port Natal, South Africa. These journeys across the “kala pani” (black/dark waters) served one primary purpose: to transport indentured Indian laborers from Indian ports to Port Natal, which would later be known as Durban. These laborers were recruited to toil on sugarcane plantations, among other sectors such as mines, railways, and tea estates. While much has been chronicled about the era of indenture, this documentary delves deeper into the experiences of the Women of Indenture, uncovering untold or forgotten stories of exploitation, abuse, suicide, and even rape. These narratives of abuse shed light on the enduring struggle against gender-based violence (GBV), not only during the time of indenture but spanning centuries prior. In this inaugural episode of Leena B Productions, we explore the lives of many women in India during the period preceding the indenture process, the often deceptive recruitment practices, the journey to South Africa, and life in the British colony of Port Natal.

(Part 1) – link below

Dedicated to the Women who walked before us, the Women of Indenture……Mothers Day premiere