Bringing gender-based violence to the screen

Category: সমসাময়িক Written by agrilife24

Agrilife24.com:Three acclaimed directors and an award-winning comedian took part in an event today to highlight the issue of gender-based violence in Bangladesh.

The directors Shabnam Ferdousi, Rezwan Shahriar Sumit, and Proshoon Rahman judged a student film competition organised jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the University of Liberal Arts (ULAB) in Dhaka. Comedian Naveed Mahbub moderated the event.

The competition marked the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign. Every year, the campaign inspires people around the world to learn, reflect, and take action to end violence against women.It starts on 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.This year, the global campaign marks its 30th year.

Globally, agriculture is the most important employment sector for women in developing countries and rural areas. Rural women ensure food security for their communities, build climate resilience, and strengthen economies. Yet gender inequalities, such as discriminatory laws and social norms, combined with a fast changing economic, technological, and environmental landscape, restrict their full potential, leaving them far behind men and their urban counterparts.

Gender-based violence is closely related to food security, nutrition and agricultural development. It can drastically reduce a victim’s ability to work and care for their family.

Aleya Begum, who features in this year’s campaign, is a federation leader from the TNT satellite slum of Korail in Dhaka. An admired woman in her neighbourhood, she works as a counsellor, helping women who have suffered domestic violence, and supporting women who are at risk of becoming abandoned or divorced. She helps to empower these vulnerable women by encouraging them to grow fruits and vegetables with the help of FAO’s Dhaka Food System project.

Speaking at the award ceremony at the university’s Dhanmondi campus, the FAO Representative in Bangladesh, Robert D. Simpson, highlighted the link between safety from violence and development.

“No country will fulfil its potential if it does not appreciate, value, and respect equally its entire population. A Bangladesh that is safe for women and girls and all gender-diverse groups will accelerate economic and social growth as well as progress towards the UN’s sustainable development goals.”

He also praised the students for their creativity. He said: “The films that were submitted for this competition go to demonstrate the exceptional creative talent that Bangladesh has. Women who face abuse and violence have stories to tell. We need to listen because if we don’t listen, things will not change. Sometimes it takes talented, creative, and confident storytellers like these students to give these women a voice.”

There were 25 entries. The competition was won by Sayeda Marufa Sharmin, 21, and Atiq Rahman, 22, students at the Media Studies and Journalism Department of ULAB.   

Judge and filmmaker Rezwan Shahriar Sumit said: “When it comes to gender equality in agriculture and the food system, we still have a long way to go as a nation. Storytellers can play a crucial role in providing voice to individuals who have been marginalized by unfair policies or who are simply outside the reach of existing safety nets.

“Noise, and Shantal Women, the top two winning films, are outstanding illustrations of the power of storytelling. I can tell that the directors care about their characters and have a lot of empathy for them. Third prize Lal Jama shows extraordinary visual flourish and it offers me a lot of hope for the future of cinema in Bangladesh.”

Mr. Shamsad Mortuza, Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Liberal Arts, was the special guest and Dr. Jude William Genilo, Dean, School of Social Sciences, University of Liberal Arts, was the chairperson.