UN Women launches the 4th Edition of the Women’s Film Week to mark International Women’s Day
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Jordan, 8 March 2016. As per consolidated tradition, UN Women in partnership with the Royal Film Commission launched the 4th edition of the Women’s Film Week to mark International Women’s Day. Held under the esteemed patronage and at the presence of HRH Princess Basma bint Talal, the event represents a cultural festival on women’s rights and women’s empowerment, offering a unique opportunity for the Jordanian public to see and reflect on women’s issues as portrayed through the work of various national and international filmmakers.
‘To mark the beginning of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, this year we decided to pay tribute to women’s champions from all around. Women, whose indomitable courage to overcome - what many would consider – impossible challenges is truly inspiring for all of us and is paving the way for a more equal future.’ affirmed Mr. Giuseppe Belsito, UN Women Jordan Representative.
Established in 2013, the event has been traditionally supported by several organizations, embassies, and cultural centers in Jordan. The Women’s Film Week opened at Rainbow Theater with the documentary ‘Burden of Peace’, generously sponsored by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Amman. The documentary presents the story of Nobel Peace Prize nominee Claudia Paz y Paz – the first women to lead the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Guatemala. The Women’s Film Week runs from 8th to 12th March 2016, with two screenings per day at the Rainbow Theater in Amman.
‘This week of film screenings is about exceptional women, who strived to overcome challenges in order to achieve their dreams; those are either women who already changed the course of history or ordinary women who set the example by finding the courage and the will to make a change’ affirmed Ms. Ghada Saba, Artistic Director for the initiative and Beijing+20 Global Gender Equality Champion.
As a special feature of this year’s Film Week, young volunteers engaged the public attending the event in order to raise awareness on the HeforShe solidarity movement, encouraging men and women to make a stand for gender equality and join the global campaign. Social media activists have also attended the opening ceremony, engaging the online community in the HeforShe movement.