UN in Guyana observes International Women's Day with 'Hidden Letters' film screening: Human Rights 75 Film Tour

In observance of International Women’s Day, the United Nations in Guyana hosted a film screening of 'Hidden Letters', followed by a panel discussion. 

'Hidden Letters' follows two millennial Chinese women who are connected by their fascination with the centuries-old practice of 'Nushu', considered to be the world’s only writing system that is created and used exclusively by women. Inspired by Nushu’s power for female solidarity, the two women struggle to find balance as they forge their own paths out of patriarchy and subservience to men.                

Welcoming viewers, UN Resident Coordinator for Guyana Yeşim Oruç, highlighted that "Guyana takes its international human rights treaty responsibilities seriously." She said, "There is active engagement of the State Party and of Guyana’s many civil society actors with the UN’s human rights architecture." She noted that there is need for continued investments in women, which need to be collaborative and holistic. she recognised the role of women's organisations and national women's machineries in addressing women's rights in Guyana.   

The discussion after the film, under the theme ‘Invest in women: breaking down norms and building inclusive societies’, focused on sisterhood, patriarchal structures, and new and ongoing challenges to women’s rights. Panelists were Kobe Smith, Interim Executive Director, Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association; Renata Chuck-A-Sang, CEO, Women and Gender Equality Commission - Guyana and Ayo Dalgety-Dean, Founder and Managing Director, Blossom Inc. Inc. The UN Resident Coordinator moderated the conversations.

In attendance were the UN System's partners from government, youth organisations, civil society organisations, academia, among others.

The event formed part of the global Human Rights 75 Film Tour, a collaboration between the International Film Festival and Forum for Human Rights (FIDFH) and United Nations Human Rights.

Festival FIFDH Geneva

The International Film Festival and Forum for Human Rights (FIFDH) has been committed to cinema and to respecting human rights. Each year, in the heart of international Geneva and in parallel with the main session
of the UN Human Rights Council, the Festival presents films and debates that highlight struggles and denounce violations wherever they may occur.

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This story was first published by United Nations Guyana.