"[G]enuine and honest in its portrayal of real life...women of Central Asia deserve to be heard and to speak in their own voices." Irina Mukhina, Prof. History, Assumption Univ

Their route brings them to the doorsteps of women from all walks of life, revealing a women's movement that's had as many ups and downs as the drive itself. A 78 year-old gynecologist recalls the turbulent transition from Soviet rule to independence, and testimonies of domestic abuse, 'bride kidnapping' and religious extremism expose the region's complex attitude to women's rights.

But despite the evident patriarchal oppression in these countries, it's certainly not the whole picture. Stories of female empowerment against all odds emerge, from a group training Tajikistan's first ever female trekking guides to a feminist collective running workshops on sexual pleasure.

With women behind the camera and behind the wheel, this documentary marks a radical departure from the typical road-trip film. Cat and Hannah gain unprecedented access to women whose testimonies shed light on a feminist movement largely ignored by Western media.

This is a story of female emancipation and solidarity across different cultures that have a lot more in common than they might have thought.



Grade Level: 10-12, College, Adults
US Release Date: 2025     Copyright Date: 2022
DVD ISBN: 1-961192-39-X

Reviews "Stunning...A fantastic film. Women Behind the Wheel touches on important issues that Central Asian women face such as domestic violence, bride theft, infertility, traditional gender roles, and labor migration. The inspiring women in the film offer thought provoking insights into various understandings of these concepts. It is a great resource for high school and college courses pertaining to gender studies, and a valuable resource for community activists working on feminism or gender equality anywhere in the world." Michele Commercio, Professor of Political Science, University of Vermont, Author, Polygynous Marriages Among the Kyrgyz: Institutional Change and Endurance "Refreshingly informal...The film is all the more engaging because Cat and Han are not experts or personalities but people who themselves want to learn and to share what they discover with others. Women Behind the Wheel may be considered a small film, but it is a very appealing one and is marked throughout and in every way by a distinctively feminine sensibility." Mansel Stimpson, Film Review "Inspiring...An emotional journey...A straight forward, feel-good documentary that aims not only to inspire, but also highlight the importance of connecting with other women...Women Behind the Wheel highlights the similarities we all share, without lingering on the differences." Kelsie Dickinson, Screen Queens "Haigh and Congdon have accomplished a vanishing feat: a true adventure. Not only is Women Behind the Wheel insightful and educational, the women they meet on their way are inspiring in their resilience, their warmth, and their courage." Eli Dolliver, The Indiependent "Women Behind the Wheel takes you on an exhilarating ride of 3000km across some of Central Asia's most ruggedly beautiful landscapes. The focus on the complexities of Central Asian women's lives and the challenges they face makes the film as culturally valuable as it is fun to experience." Scott Levi, Professor of History, Ohio State University, Author, The Bukharan Crisis: A Connected History of 18th-Century Central Asia "Two young, adventuresome British women take us on a drive along the Pamir Highway, through sweeping mountain landscapes, and along bumpy, cliff-clinging roads. Along the way, they introduce us to remarkable, resilient, and inspiring women in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Welcoming Cat and Hannah with warm Central Asian hospitality, hosts from cities and remote villages openly share their views on the challenges facing women today." Marianne Kamp, Associate Professor of Central Eurasian Studies, Indiana University-Bloomington, Author, Collectivization Generation: Oral Histories of a Social Revolution in Uzbekistan "A terrific film! Cat and Hannah meet with many remarkable women on this heartfelt, enlightening journey across the fabled Pamir Highway. Spectacular landscapes and candid interviews make this a memorable trip through some of the most beautiful, remote regions of Eurasia." Jeff Eden, Associate Professor of History, Northwestern University, Author, God Save the USSR: Soviet Muslims and the Second World War "As someone who has been teaching courses on Central Asia for over two decades, I know how hard it is to find a documentary that goes beyond the popular tourist sites or touches on issues that fall outside typical news headlines. By recording their journey on the Pamir Highway and their many conversations with local women, Cat and Han unveil the complexity of women's life that is often hidden by predominant cultural practices and patriarchal norms. Unscripted and unpretentious, this documentary is genuine and honest in its portrayal of real life - and women of Central Asia deserve to be heard and to speak in their own voices. Powerful and emotional, this documentary will touch the hearts and minds of all, and is a valuable educational resource for all who are eager to learn more about the region." Irina Mukhina, Professor of History, Assumption University