Film screening conducted to commemorate Human Rights Day
Women’s Institute for Leadership Development organised and took part in the film screening of the movie A Thousand Cuts in commemoration of the International Human Rights Day, that was held at Busters Sports Club on the 10th of December 2021. The film screening was attended by young women and men as well as Honourable Sichelesile Mahlangu, Member of Parliament for Pumula Constituency and Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo.
The film screening was conducted in partnership with Centre For Innovation and Technology, Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association, Masakhaneni Projects Trust and Whispers.
Before the film screening was an open discussion Human Rights, which was facilitated by Pamela Mpofu. Mpofu said that human rights should be upheld at all times and not only during the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV. She also said citizens should be reminded to stop GBV. In this discussion, human rights were explored and it was highlighted that as humans we are all equally entitled to our human rights. It was also stated that they can never be taken away, although they can sometimes be restricted.
The film that was aired was about a journalist who places her tools of free press and her freedom on the line in defence of the truth and democracy. It follows the conflicts between the press and the Philippine government. Maria Ressa, the founder of the online site Rappler, has been subject to scrutiny by the president and his supporters, and writers for the website. The film shows how powerful people use their control over social media networks to destroy lives and institutions.
After the movie there was a plenary session where women who had attended the film screening said that film depicted so many human rights abuses including cyber bullying. Honourable Mahlangu said citizens need to make sure that bad behaviour is not supported or tolerated.
In conclusion the activity taught the attendees what human rights are and how they have an impact of citizen’s lives. The movie highlighted that cyber bullying is a form of human rights violation and it should not be tolerated.