UN Women National Committee Australia launches ‘Leave No Woman Behind’ film to mark International Women’s Day via BMF Sydney

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UN-Women_Still1 (1).jpgWomen are 14 times more likely to die in a natural disaster. And those who survive face serious risk of sexual assault and violence in the aftermath. Especially in the dark. Yet something as simple as solar lanterns can change the odds.

Coinciding with International Women’s Day (IWD 2018) on March 8, UN Women National Committee (NC) Australia has launched “Leave No Woman Behind” to raise awareness and help people empathise with the dangers women face in disaster, crisis and conflict settings, especially under the cover of darkness. UN Women NC Australia is focusing  fundraising efforts towards delivering female focused supplies, training and support to vulnerable communities. In doing so they hope to reduce the number of preventable female fatalities and prevent violence against women and girls following natural disasters.

UN-Women_Still2 (1).jpgThe pro bono film created by BMF will be shown at the International Women’s Day Breakfast held at Sydney’s International Convention Centre tomorrow, to encourage attendees to donate to support UN Women’s life-changing work empowering womenUN-Women_Still3 (1).jpg around the world.

Says Janelle Weissman, executive director at UN Women National Committee Australia: “International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 and it’s the National Committee’s biggest campaign of the year. This year’s theme ‘Leave No Woman Behind’ looks at the impacts that disasters and crises have on women and girls. Disasters and conflicts discriminate. Women and children are 14 times more likely to die or be injured in a natural disaster, and in armed conflict, trafficking, child marriage and other forms of violence against women and girls skyrocket. To leave no woman behind is to consider the unique needs of women and children in the wake of emergencies and to include, listen to and respect women’s voices as leaders and agents of change in planning for and responding to crises. It is only then that we give whole communities the best chance at recovering following conflict and disaster.”

Says Jen Speirs, deputy ECD, BMF: “We hope one woman’s story, told in darkness and shadows will cast light on the fact something as basic as a solar lantern can help reduce the risk of sexual abuse, domestic violence and threats to women in the aftermath of natural disasters. Our donations can help stop these preventable tragedies from occurring.”

You can help keep women in crisis safe with just $5 and a text message. Text HELP to 0497 222 444 to donate $5 and you will buy a solar light for one woman to help keep her safe.

Agency: BMF Sydney

Executive Creative Director:  Alex Derwin

Creative Director: Jen Speirs

Creative Team: Millicent Malcolm and Emily Field

Strategic Planner: Kellie Box

Managing Director: Steve McArdle

Group Account Director: Liz Ainslie

Account Executive: India Gates

Agency Producer: Brooke Mather

Production Company: BMF

Editor: Al Moore

Sound and Music: Rumble Studios