Sweeping Addis

The Street Sweepers of Addis Abeba

By Corinne Kuenzli

Documentary – TV

50 min – Schweiz 2006

Synopsis

Rainy season in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital city. Four million people, most of them are very poor. Sweeping the streets in Addis Ababa is women's work. They are hired by the various city districts. Their job is to beautify and modernize the city. It is a sought-after job. The street sweepers have no bank account. Their security comes from their religion and their mutual support of each other. The women join forces, save money together and help one another.

A discreet, respectful and multi-facetted portrait of four remarkable women in a land marked by political tension.