Seven female ambassadors and UN officials are set to perform a documentary play titled “Seven,” to speak up against violence on women and to raise awareness on the global issue of women’s rights.
To celebrate the International Women’s Day, Brazilian Ambassador Wanja Campos Da Nobrega, Canadian High Commissioner Heather Cruden, Swedish Ambassador Anneli Lindahl Kenny, Danish Ambassador Hanne Fugl Eskaer, Norwegian Ambassador Merete Lundemo, Representative of UNFPA Bangladesh Argentina Matavel Piccin and Representative of UN Women Bangladesh Christine Hunter will perform the play on March 10 at Chhayanaut.
“Seven” is based on the real-life stories of seven women’s rights activists: Hafsat Abiola (Nigeria), Farida Azizi (Afghanistan), Annabella De Leon (Guatemala), Marina Pisklakova (Russia), Mukhtar Mai (Pakistan), Inez McCormack (Northern Ireland) and Mu Sochua (Cambodia).
The drama conveys the message that a woman who faces violence once, do not need to bear the consequences her whole life; instead she must overcome it with strength and also try to help other women overcome similar struggles.
The first rehearsal of the play was staged before journalists at the residence of the Danish ambassador in Gulshan 2 yesterday.
“The drama will be performed to remind all, that there are still lots of work to be done for women,” said Danish Ambassador Eskaer.
Tove Erikson, producer and director of “Seven” in Dhaka, said: “Theatre play is the bridge to society for bringing massive change.”
“Violence on women is a big problem for all countries,” said Swedish Ambassador Kenny, while Brazilian Ambassador Nobrega narrated the story of Mukhtar Mai, who was gang-raped and forced to walk home almost naked through the streets of her hometown as retribution for an alleged crime committed by her younger brother.
Canadian High Commissioner Cruden said: “Lack of women’s access to education and child marriage are the major drawbacks in Bangladesh. After marriage, women are tortured for dowry, which eventually leads to domestic violence. Advocacy and raising awareness is the solution.”
UNFPA Representative Piccin said any male should think about his mother, daughter and sister before being violent towards women, while Christine Hunter, the representative for UN Women, said: “Recent statistics of Bangladesh shows, 80% women experienced violence. Seventy percent women were harassed in university level. The situation must change.”
Norwegian Ambassador Lundemo said: “Women in Bangladesh are important, as 75%-80% of the workforce in RMG are women.”
