Thousands of sexual abuse cases in the film industry go unreported due to fear of victimisation, according to Non-Profit Organisation, Sisters Working in Film and Television (SWIFT).
The NPO was speaking during a virtual panel discussion on Gender-Based Violence in the film industry.
The discussion was aimed at raising awareness about GBV and to encourage victims and witnesses to seek help.
Filmmaker and the NPO’s board member, Londeka Mlawuza, called on stakeholders in the industry including government to make funds available, in an effort to fight gender-based violence in the industry.
“Government, organisations and also production houses themselves we said if you put out funding for development of whatever the case is there is always a lot of work to be done but we are taking it way beyond just having it on set when someone is complaining. But we are saying, we are calling on government and industry professionals if they find the cash themselves, the GSS should sign the pledge themselves.”
SWIFT has urged victims of GBV to speak out and bring the perpetrators to book.
UN launches global campaign of 16 days for Elimination of Violence Against Women:
Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) has officially kick-started the global 16 Days of Activism campaign under the global theme, “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!”.
UN Women’s Generation Equality campaign is amplifying the call for global action to bridge funding gaps, ensure essential services for survivors of violence during the COVID-19 crisis, focus on prevention, and collection of data that can improve life-saving services for women and girls.
