Powerful Panel of Leading Women at BYkids Film Screening
During the time of the 63rd Commission on the Status of Women, the United Nations Association of New York is dedicated to bringing greater awareness, in New York City and abroad, on the issues of discrimination against women and the importance of gender equality.
On Thursday, March 14th, UNA-NYC hosted a special sneak-peek screening of the BYkids film WALK ON MY OWN. UNA-NYC members, civil society activists, and experts came together in an interactive discussion on child marriage, gender equality, and FGM (Female Genital Mutilation).
As part of the 2030 Agenda, the UN is committed to end child marriage and FGM globally. According to UN Women, it is estimated that 200 million women and girls alive today have suffered some form of FGM. These women are suffering short-term medical and psychological complications, limiting their freedom and violating their basic rights. The United Nations marked February 8th as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, aiming to bring global awareness on this issue among Member States. The efforts made by UN entities and NGOs have showed some type of progress on the matter, however, there is a need for greater multi stakeholder efforts. Moreover, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) states that within the least developed countries “40 per cent of girls are married before age 18, and 12 per cent of girls are married before age 15.” Child marriage is considered a human rights violation. Despite global advocacy on the issue, and the laws being made, the problem continues, not only among least developed countries, but also within developed ones.
As part of the 2030 Agenda, the UN is committed to end child marriage and FGM globally. According to UN Women, it is estimated that 200 million women and girls alive today have suffered some form of FGM. These women are suffering short-term medical and psychological complications, limiting their freedom and violating their basic rights. The United Nations marked February 8th as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, aiming to bring global awareness on this issue among Member States. The efforts made by UN entities and NGOs have showed some type of progress on the matter, however, there is a need for greater multi stakeholder efforts. Moreover, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) states that within the least developed countries “40 per cent of girls are married before age 18, and 12 per cent of girls are married before age 15.” Child marriage is considered a human rights violation. Despite global advocacy on the issue, and the laws being made, the problem continues, not only among least developed countries, but also within developed ones.
The sneak-peek of Walk on My Own gave UNA-NYC members and guests the opportunity to understand more about child marriage and FGM, not only in Africa, but also in other parts of the world. This film gives the chance to women and girls within villages in Senegal to voice their experiences on child marriage and the complications suffered from FGM. Moreover, the interviews conducted gave participants a broader understanding of the continued hardships and constant obstacles that women and girls face today. The film portrays how some of these women overcame the difficulties and prejudice, becoming role models and activists of their communities, giving hope to those who still suffer the continuing oppression and violation of their rights.
As the founder and executive director of BYkids, Holly Carter shared some of her experiences while working on Walk on My Own. She mentioned the excitement and passion that the young participants from the area felt to be a part of films like this. Ms. Carter has been involved in several award-winning documentary films that discuss critical global issues. As the head of BYkids, she believes in the importance of giving young women and girls a voice through films such as Walk on My Own and stresses the necessity to discuss issues as child marriage and FGM within the greater media. She also shared with the audiences the challenges and inequalities that women still face within decision-making structures in journalism, the film industry, and the humanitarian sector. Men still control a greater part of the top executive positions. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is dedicated, as one of his main priorities, to balance the percentage of female workers within the UN. Today, he has successfully achieved equal representation of women at the senior levels. Although, within profession level positions, there is still a great gap.
Naima Dido, as the moderator of the panel, brought an energetic and insightful conversation among the speakers, while sharing her experiences and perspectives in the matter. She shared her journey while being resettled in the United States and the obstacles she encountered as a young woman. For over 20 years, Naima has worked with underprivileged refugee communities in the US and abroad, giving her the expertise and understanding of discrimination and exclusion of women and girls globally. Naima is an example of successfully overcoming discrimination and oppression, becoming an advocate for human rights and the inclusive participation of women everywhere. She payed tribute to the women on the panel, expressing her admiration for them and their continuing fight for gender equality and the empowerment of women
Nafissatou Diop, the Senior Gender & Social Norms Adviser at UNFPA, is an expert on women’s issues, such as FGM and child marriage. Dr. Diop stated the importance of civil society to be more involved in the discussion of gender equality. She stressed the targets inscribed in Sustainable Development Goal 5, Gender Equality. Specifically, target 5.3 asks States to “Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.” As described by Nafissatou, the Millennium Development Goals did not stipulate any information on practices like forced marriage. However, with the adoption of the SDGs, child marriage and FGM became a much more important topic of discussion within the United Nations. As expressed by Dr. Diop, there are many groups of advocates, organizations, and civil servants, working hard to eliminate these types of practices within communities. She hopes that by 2030 these practices will be eradicated. Dr. Diop feels hopeful for the future but remains vigilant to fight all forms of discrimination against women, “there has been advancement on these issues, but there is still much more to do.
As mentor to the young girl who directed the film (who was not present), Elizabeth Hummer stated the critical role that young women and girls play in the creation of films like Walk on My Own. Her previous involvement in projects as such gave her the perspective and understanding of bringing social inclusion into the creation of more tangible and genuine stories. Her experience in film has allowed her to give young people access and better opportunities in the industry, while giving them a voice. As a mentor and producer, Elizabeth has been involved in other BYkids projects, such as Poet Against Prejudice, portraying the journeys of empowered young girls transformed from victims to activists.
As the founder and creative director of Tostan, Molly Melching shared with the audience her years-long experience with communities in rural Senegal, as well as her constant advocacy of women’s education in least developed countries. Her groundbreaking work has allowed rural communities gain more access to educational opportunities and fight inequalities. She expressed the need for films like this one to reach mainstream viewers. And, lucky attendees of the screening had the privilege of receiving the New York Times best-selling book However Long the Night by Aimee Molloy, which talks about Molly’s journey of empowering millions of African women and girls to thrive. Thanks to Molly’s work, several communities have made considerable progress in the areas of education, health, and environment.
Walk on My Own will be premiered officially on PBS in upcoming weeks. Our special thanks go to Tostan and BYkids for their active participation this evening.
Without concerted efforts of civil society and NGOs child marriage and FGM will remain a critical issue. After international summits, such as CSW, the discussion of the issue must continue. Therefore, the New York city community plays a crucial role in advocating for these matters among UN Member States. UNA-NYC is committed to keeping the conversation alive, while informing and educating civil society in New York to be active participants of social change.