Breaking taboos: film festival will turn spotlight on abuse of women

DUBAI // The issue of violence against women, often a taboo subject in the Arab world, will be in the spotlight at a Dubai film festival next month.

The World of Women (Wow) Film Fair will begin on March 5. International Women’s Day is on March 8.

“Most people are not aware of what is going on,” said Hermoine Macura, founder of the Wow film fair. “Women’s day is about addressing critical issues. I felt this was the year to do some tough talking.

“We will focus on important issues worldwide, such as human trafficking and women challenging stereotypes.”

Violence against women often takes place in the family or marital home, and many victims feel they have nowhere to turn.

The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children was established to help victims of domestic violence, abuse and trafficking.

“The UAE is taking these subjects very seriously and it has accomplished huge steps in this field,” said Afra Al Basti, the foundation’s director general. “We can see this in the decreased numbers of victims of human trafficking over the past few years.”

Ms Al Basti said events dedicated to women’s issues, such as the film festival, played an important role.

“It will help us in providing a better future for the victims and also in preventing this crime,” she said. Money from ticket sales will go to the foundation.

Ms Macura said that aside from stricter laws and harsher penalties for perpetrators of violence, greater awareness would empower women.

“I also believe men and women need to speak up about the issue to the authorities, as well and support each other.”

British lawyer Khatija Sacranie, who will speak at the festival, said domestic abuse was a problem for the entire world.

“In Europe, a report published last year showed that one in three women reported some form of physical or sexual abuse after the age of 15.”

Ms Sacranie will hold a discussion to explain how the law can protect women.

“The Middle East certainly has issues. In Iraq, we have seen the passing of the Ja’fari law, which legalises the marriage of girls as young as nine. It is the responsibility of each woman who has been blessed with education and opportunity to help those who have not.”

The three-day film festival runs until March 8. Details can be found at www.wowmiddleeast.com.

akhaishgi@thenational.ae