By Milcah Tanimu
Veteran actress Joke Silva has called for the complete eradication of sexual harassment and negative stereotypes in the film industry. Speaking at the Women in Film and TV Conference in Lagos, Silva, who serves as the President of the Forum of Women in Film and TV, Nigeria, emphasized the need for a safe and supportive environment for women in the industry.
Silva highlighted that sexual harassment undermines the industry and the nation, urging for an end to such practices. She also addressed the issue of negative stereotypes in films, stressing the importance of accurate and positive representation.
Anita Duckworth-Bradshaw, a Life Coach from Powerhouse Global Magazine, encouraged women who have experienced abuse to speak out. She noted that addressing past trauma is essential for personal healing and making meaningful changes within the industry.
Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, Co-founder of The African Women’s Development Fund, spoke about viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and the need for women to have equal opportunities in entertainment. She emphasized the significant role women play and the importance of giving them the right platform.
Beatrice Eyong, Director of UN Women’s Country, urged for women to become indispensable in the film industry, advocating for their involvement in decision-making processes and the adoption of industry-wide guidelines.
The conference also featured discussions on building sustainable networks and improving industry infrastructure, technology, and structure.
