In the dangerous, male-oriented world of Kandahar, home to drug smugglers and terrorists, a policewoman, Malalai Kakar is blazing the way for women. Unhindered by her heavy burka, this mother of six is chasing wife-beaters, murderers and thieves across Afghanistan.

The film follows her as she investigates a local murder. Quizzing the local inhabitants and searching every house for clues, she carries a gun which she is not afraid to brandish. "Anything men can do, I can do better," she asserts proudly. Although she receives frequent death threats from fundamentalists who abhor the idea of a female cop, she refuses to be cowed. "I am not afraid. I must pursue my duty."

As well as fighting murderers and drug dealers, Malalai is in charge of all cases involving abuse and divorce. She secures a divorce for a battered young woman with an abusive husband. When a tearful thirteen -year old -girl reports that her father, a pimp, makes her procure women for his business, an enraged Malalai imprisons him after finding heroin in his house.

Under her tough exterior, she remains a mother, a daughter and a wife. This observational documentary will subvert the stereotypes of women in the Muslim world.

"Highly Recommended This highly informative film is an eye opening video which challenges the traditional role of women in most Muslim countries. This video is suitable for high school and college library collections. This film would be useful for exploring other cultures and for highlighting women’s changing roles in a Muslim country. Suitable for classroom use and instruction. " Educational Media Reviews Online

Middle East Studies Association, 2006