USA 1982 | Regie: Elizabeth Barret | Produktion: Appalshop, Inc. | Farbe | 16mm | 39 min | amer. OV | Cinenova

This sensitive documentary about women in mining settlements describes how women broke into this field of work through intense legal disputes. The miners discuss why they want to work in mines despite the danger, filth and physical strain. Most women can otherwise only get poorly-paid jobs as waitresses or babysitters in the settlement, so work in the mines is the only opportunity of getting good wages. Alone or in groups, the women disuss their socialisation-induced lack of knowledge about working with tools, discrimination in education, and sexual harassment in the workplace. Archival footage and film clips are used in a historical review of women's engagement as mine workers and union members and as supports of their husbands, sons and brothers. The omnipresent dangers of accidents and black lung disease are depicted strikingly in this film. The need to form a pregnancy police force is also discussed. (femme totale 1991)