As part of the UN System’s activities during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, from 25 November to 10 December, UNESCO New Delhi is re-launching Listen to Her – a short film by filmmaker and actor, Nandita Das.
Listen to Her, a film by Nandita Das
Supported by UNESCO, UNFPA, UN Women, UNICEF, and the South Asia Foundation (Madanjeet Singh Foundation), this film not only brings the plight of women facing domestic violence into the spotlight, but also highlights the gender based micro-aggressions and stereotypes faced by women daily.
In keeping with the theme for this year, “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect”, the film urges actions to end this scourge of violence against women.
Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has upended our lives, causing a lot of uncertainty. One of the hidden consequences of this disease has been the surge in cases of domestic violence and abuse.
The film plays on the irony of the “stay home, stay safe” guidance for millions of women in India and around the world and addresses two main issues that women are facing during the pandemic. By way of the experiences of two women from different intersections of society, the film depicts the various types of abuse women are facing within the confines of their home. Evidently, violence, just like the many mutations of the coronavirus, can manifest itself in various forms.
By reflecting the social reality of women, the film will feed into the advocacy during the 16 Days of Activism by encouraging women to break their silence on the forced conditioning of gender roles and at the same time listen to the stories of others.
