Women in Film and Television International, Nigeria has called for an increase in measures towards addressing violence against women and girls in film and television and the wider society, as well as women’s political representation at the decision-making table.
The call was made at the launch of the forum of the Women in Film and Television International WIFTI, Nigeria, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Women in Film & Television International (WIFTI) is a global network of non-profit membership chapters, dedicated to advancing professional development and achievement for women working in all areas of film, video, and other screen-based media.
It also addresses the sexual harassment women and girls face in the film industry.
As part of interventions on the EU-UN Joint Spotlight Initiative, in line with ongoing support to the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill, UN Women in collaboration with leaders of the Women in Film and TV International (WIFTI) Nigeria Chapter, are collaboration
The collaboration will leverage on WIFTI’s convening power to support the film and TV industry to champion gender equality in Nigeria.
The convener WIFTI Nigeria, Ajoke Silva, said that culture should be shaped positively to change the narrative.
‘‘This medium is shaper of culture we need to shape culture positively using our voice of storytelling. This is part of what we do want to do for us which is very key do is to tell the story for generations before the story they have handed down through oral traditions let’s document so that our children will get away from this ideal that everything that is been done is foreign, they are stories in the North for women that are amazing what women have achieved in the North has not been told because men have been telling the story. Let the women start telling the stories and we are not sure how conservative the North is still going to be”.
Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Talen stressed the need for togetherness in the fight against gender based violence
“The team Women In Film and Television International (WIFTI) can change a lot through your message, through film industry you can make things happen as we strive towards amplifying our advocacy, expand our network and partnership in a collaborative way to highlight women right and gender equality. we can make progress through positive media delivery, it has to be now. We must all stand up as Ambassadors to say no to gender based violence’’.
European Union EU, said that that the EU and partners will continue to engage in the fight against gender based violence.
Gender based violence remain one the main priority for EU believe it is menace that affect the so many people around the world and everyone needs to stand up and speak out. It is a threat to women in all level of the society including Women in film and Television (WIFTI) in Nigeria, and the EU is in support in the response to gander based violence Nigeria in a holistic approach to ensure a protected legal from work. EU and partners. The International community count on you to continue engage in the fight against sexual gender based violence and let your voice to the cause.
One of the board Members of WIFTI, Rita Dominic stressed the need for women to come together and to speak out against sexual harassment.
“I believe that where WIFTI can help is by setting sought of procedures that can help those who have been harassed who want seek redress we need to speak about it the more. I believe that if more women who have more voices in the industry and very huge platforms can come together and talk about this things and bring out the perpetrators of these crimes I think it will help stop people who abuse from that”.
Women in Film & Television International is a global network of non-profit membership chapters, dedicated to advancing professional development and achievement for women working in all areas of film, video, and other screen-based media
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