Fathima Burnad is fighting to change a social structure that's existed for 3000 years. In India, where the caste system has created apartheid-like discrimination, child labour is common and women have few rights. Worst off are the 160 million people in the landless, lowest caste – the Dalits or 'untouchables' – who live without access to basic necessities and are often targets of violence. Fathima's aim is to empower these people – her people – by encouraging them to take action through grass-roots organisations and rallying the support of international communities behind her cause.

(2002, 26 mins) A Film Australia National Interest Program in association with Mask Productions. Produced and developed with the assistance of ScreenWest and the Lotteries Commission of Western Australia. Produced in association with SBS Independent.

© National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.