RITAJ: HER SUCCESS STORY

Ritaj, a 29 year-old woman from Yemen, escaped her home to stay alive. As a young trans woman, she faced constant persecution from neighbors and family alike, until 2019 when the state targeted her for walking with plucked eyebrows, and subsequently tortured her in jail. Her family convinced the court to release her, only to punish her further—until Ritaj decided to escape. That evening, Iman received a message of plea from Ritaj to find her safety amidst transphobic persecution, the COVID pandemic and the civil war on the streets of Yemen. 

Despite the global shutdown, Iman managed to secured Ritaj on a flight to Egypt for immediate safety, and after countless hurdles, Iman’s advocacy granted Ritaj a humanitarian visa, ensuring her long-term safety. In May 2021, she was granted asylum and permanent residence. A strong and beautiful Ritaj now lives in the east of France, building a new life.

Ritaj & Iman featured in “Instagram, A Life Under Filter”— a documentary film directed by Olivier Lemaire and produced by Jean-Marie Michel for ARTE.