Movie Screening for a GBV cause

Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD), yesterday began a three-day screening session of The Governor to female leaders drawn from political, business and public service as part of activities held under the auspices of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV). The screening is being held at the John Knight Cinema, at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe – Bulawayo.

The Governor is an intriguing Nigerian production depicting the story of Angela Ochello, the Deputy Governor of Savannah State, who with no governorship ambitions finds herself suddenly wrapped in a web of political drama following the sudden death of the incumbent Governor. As the story unfolds, Ochello gets to experience firsthand, the ills of patriarchy and the undermining of women in public office. She also has to balance the demands of political office with those of marriage.

Participants at the screening said they identified with the themes teased out by the series. They said women in public leadership are excluded from decision making by their male counterparts and at times, subordinates. This was attributed to the low numbers of female leaders in public administration and the contemptuous attitude of some men who believe women can only lead at their behest.

“I really saw my story in The Governor. Women are always made to feel indebted to male leaders for being in leadership positions. This affects the exercise of their power and authority as they are sabotaged if they do not toe the line. In my years in public leadership, I have resisted that patronizing behavior from men,” said one of the participants in a post-screening discussion.

The 2020 edition of the 16 Days of Activism against GBV continues with the use of the arts as a facilitative tool for social change. Since 2012, WILD has existed to help break barriers inhibiting women from occupying spaces in various realms of leadership.