London Film Screening Supports Women’s Rights
- khwang562
- Dec 20, 2025
- 2 min read
London, United Kingdom – In support of the United Nations’ campaign for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, UPF-UK screened the film “Unsilenced” at its headquarters in London on December 9, 2025.
The event was co-organized by the National Association of Women’s Organizations (NAWO) and the Justina Mutale Foundation, who advocate dignity, safety and human rights for women and girls. The two organizations held daily awareness-raising sessions throughout the campaign period – from UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, to Human Rights Day on December 10.
“Unsilenced” captures women’s experiences of domestic violence, coercion, and cultural practices harming women and girls in multiple nations. Produced by UN Women, the film amplifies the voices of survivors, activists, and legal advocates working to end all forms of violence against women.
The program was moderated by Ms. Itty Bawa, who guided discussions after each of the documentary’s three thematic sections. She emphasized the urgent need for systemic change, noting that high percentages of women worldwide continue to face abuse. It is also often difficult to bring a case to justice because of stigma, shame, resistance from police and justice officials, and societal pressure.
Speaker Ms. Justina Mutale highlighted ongoing gaps in UK legislation, particularly the slow adoption of measures required under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). She noted that commitments made at international level are not yet fully reflected in UK domestic law.
The participants explored a wide range of issues affecting women:
Religion and harmful interpretations of tradition
Patriarchal customs and gender norms
Female genital mutilation (FGM)
Child marriage
Barriers to education and economic participation
Legal obstacles and limited police responsiveness
Despite the challenging testimonies, several examples of positive transformation emerged. One inspiring story came from a couple in Kyrgyzstan, where the husband had participated in a relationship-education program. He shared how learning equitable communication transformed his marriage: “We now discuss decisions together…we feel like a team.” His testimony illustrated the profound impact of engaging men and boys as allies in preventing violence.
The film also showcased young women who bravely challenged legal systems, cultural assumptions, and long-standing social barriers. Their resilience demonstrated that change is possible, even in environments where reporting violence can lead to stigma, social exclusion, or retaliation. These “unsilenced” women serve as role models for communities and policymakers, reminding us that ending violence against women requires courage, solidarity, and structural reform.
Consistent with UPF’s founding vision of living for the sake of others, upholding human dignity, and promoting One Family under God, UPF-UK continues to partner with women’s organizations, faith networks, community leaders, and policymakers to:
Support survivors
Advocate for stronger legal protections
Combat harmful practices
Promote gender equality
Empower women and girls through education and dialogue
This event forms part of UPF’s ongoing commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 on gender equality, and SDG 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.
