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Film Highlights 16 Days Of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

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IPO member Anant Singh has produced a GBV awareness film to highlight the call for people to act against this scourge in our society as 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is observed.

The film shows how endemic Gender-Based Violence has become, while also acknowledging the strength and resilience of women. The film has been endorsed by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities; UN Women; the Nelson Mandela Foundation; Josina Machel’s Kuhluka Movement; and the UN Secretary General’s UNiTE campaign to end violence against women.

The film can be viewed and shared by clicking here. 

Singh commented, “I was inspired to use scenes from our film, YESTERDAY and my other films to create an awareness film that is emotive, thought-provoking and essential. Women in our country live through the trauma of Gender-Based Violence every day.  The film also tackles ‘standbyerism’ which contributes to the ambivalence of most people towards violence against women, resulting in victims constantly having to defend themselves while others stand by and do nothing to assist them. They too are the perpetrators! As we observe 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, our society needs to be reminded how serious this issue is, and I urge each one of us to take action to rid our society of this plague. It is our mothers, sisters, wives and daughters who are the victims.”

The international campaign for 16 Days Of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence begins on Wednesday 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on Thursday, 10th December, International Human Rights Day.

The Social Development Department’s Gender-Based Violence Command Centre has a toll free number to call to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling: 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV). Callers can also request a social worker to call them back by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cell phone. Alternatively, callers may also send an SMS to 31531 or via Skype by adding “HelpMeGBV” as a contact for assistance.

The 24-hour GBVCC has been attending to a variety of emergency situations including indecent assault, physical violence, rape, abandonment of children and various forms of abuse. It has also attended to cases of stalking, emotional abuse, sexual harassment, forced marriages, forced prostitution, elderly-citizen abuse, bullying and has even intervened in family disputes.