On 9 December 2025, UPF UK screened the fim ‘Unsilenced’ in support of the Elimination of Violence Against Women at its headquarters 43 Lancaster Gate, London.
The event was organised by the National Association of Women’s Organisations (NAWO) and the Justina Mutale Foundation, advocating Dignity, Safety and Human Rights for Women and Girls, in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Both NAWO and the Justina Mutale Foundation delivered daily awareness-raising sessions throughout the campaign period—from UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) to Human Rights Day (10 December).
Highlighting Global Realities: The ‘Unsilenced’ Documentary
Unsilenced captures women’s lived experiences of domestic violence, coercion, and cultural practices harming women and girls across 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 programme was moderated by Ms. Itty Bawa, who guided discussions after each of the documentary’s three thematic sections. She emphasised the urgent need for systemic change, noting that high percentages of women worldwide continue to face abuse. There also is a difficult course to bring a case to justice often because of stigma, shame, resistance from Police and Justice officials and societal pressure.
Speaker Justina Mutale highlighted the ongoing gaps in UK legislation—particularly the slow adoption of measures required under CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women). 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 programme. 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 organisations, 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 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).