As the world marks 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women, the Forum of Women in Film and TV (FWIFT) is lending its voice to the call for an end to all forms of violence against women and girls in all sectors of society.

FWIFT is the Nigerian chapter of Women in Film and TV International (WIFTI), a leading organisation dedicated to supporting women’s careers across the film and television industry, with a commitment to fostering stories that address issues concerning women. The forum provides a platform for networking, education and empowerment.

FWIFT, in a statement on Saturday, said the ‘casting couch’ is a phrase that describes sexual favors demanded by casting directors; it is a phenomenon that is common but largely unreported, and so mention of such occurrences has remained anecdotal at best.

Following its recent national conference and determination to be more vocal about issues concerning women in film, TV, and other screen media, the forum is using this year’s 16 Days of Activism to draw attention to the menace, which sits squarely in the realm of violence against women.

The theme for this year’s 16 Days is: UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls. Organizers say it remains the most pervasive human rights violation around the world.

“In the spirit of UNITE, FWIFT is proud to announce a significant gathering of film and TV industry leaders as well as policymakers at a roundtable against gender-based violence on December 12 in Lagos,” said the President of the forum, Ms. Ajoke Silva. “Gender-based violence is not just a personal issue; it is an epidemic that affects women at all levels of society. Storytelling through films and TV is a powerful tool to shift mindsets and change the narrative.

“Though there is a dearth of movies/stories that specifically address the ‘casting couch’ phenomenon, the women and invited guests will be previewing the film titled New Morning, directed by Deji Arosho, as a basis for the conversation. They will be X-raying the phenomenon and seeking solutions to establish a more vibrant sector that respects everyone’s rights.

“New Morning is a film about violence against women. The story portrays an obsessively paranoid man, who is suspicious of his wife and is often physically violent and abusive towards her, landing her in the hospital from time to time.”