Ciné-ONU shows film that is a call to end violence against women

To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the start of the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, Ciné-ONU Vienna, Brussels and Geneva have organized screenings of the documentary #FatUglySlut / #SalePute – Online Abuse Against Women.

The Belgian documentary features testimonies of women from all walks of life, including journalists, politicians, and other public figures, who have been victim of online abuse and examines the harm this phenomenon does to them and to democratic debate.

Ciné-ONU Vienna

Vienna’s online screening on 22 November was organized by the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna with the Permanent Mission of Belgium to the UN in Vienna.  

After the film, Gloria Bozyigit, UN Women Austria, urged the participants to “call out if you see any form of violence” against women, whether online or offline.

She was joined on the panel by representatives of the International Press Institute, UN Office on Drugs and Crime, and Belgium, who discussed the impact on society and the positive potential of initiatives like the Orange the World campaign.

The discussion was moderated by UNIS Vienna Director Martin Nesirky.

Ciné-ONU Brussels

The Ciné-ONU Brussels screening on 29 November also featured a discussion on gender equality and online misogyny.

“The internet is a public space and we cannot stop public spaces. We don’t stop crossing the street because, in order to get across the city, we have to do so. And that is exactly the same for the internet,” said Florence Hainaut, co-director of the film.

“One of the ways to raise awareness is to let women make movies about these specific problems. We don’t need anyone to speak on our behalf, we do it very well ourselves.”

Thierry Barbé, DG for International Partnerships, European Commission, and Dagmar Schumacher, Director of UN Women Brussels Office, rounded out the panel. 

Ciné-ONU Geneva

On 9 December, UNIS Geneva will screen the film with the support of the General Representation Wallonia-Brussels in Geneva. 

Representatives of UN Women, the International Telecommunication Union, and the High Commissioner for Human Rights will be on hand to discuss the film and ending violence against women.