The United Nations Joint Program for Girls’ Education in Malawi used Mercy’s Blessing to spearhead a nation-wide awareness campaign entitled Keeping Girls in School. The film’s director, May Taherzadeh, was invited to present at the launch of the campaign in Lilongwe, Malawi. She spoke about the power of film to inspire change. Partners included the European Union, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UN Women and …
UN Commission on the Status of Women (USA, 2017)
Mercy’s Blessing was presented at a forum at the 61st United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York City. The film’s director, May Taherzadeh, led the discussion about how the film can be used to reinforce legislation around child marriages and Girl-Child education. Among the participants was a large group from Malawi, including UN Ambassadors, representatives, members …
UNICEF Headquarters (USA, 2017)
Mercy’s Blessing was presented at the UNICEF headquarters in New York City, for staff members from various departments. The film’s director, May Taherzadeh, shared stories about the impact Mercy’s Blessing is having in the lives of girls and boys in different parts of the world, and the power of film to inspire change.
European Commission’s European Development Days (Belgium, 2018)
Mercy’s Blessing was screened at the European Development Days 2018 conference on the theme Women and girls at the forefront of sustainable development. An interactive discussion took place led by panelists on the relevance of the film to the conference theme, advancing the girl child, and the role of men and boys in gender equality. Panelists included Vice President of …
7th Parliament of the World’s Religions (Canada, 2018)
Mercy’s Blessing was screened at the 7th Parliament of the World’s Religions in Toronto as part of The Women’s Track: The Dignity of Women Across the World’s Wisdom Traditions. The film’s director, May Taherzadeh, and a Representative of the US Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs, Dr Negar Abay, shared the impact Mercy’s Blessing is having in many countries around the world in creating social …
UNHCR’s Unite Against Violence Campaign (Malaysia, 2018)
UNHCR organised Unite Against Violence; Working Together to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, in which Mercy’s Blessing was screened as part of the 16 Days of Activism against sexual and gender-based violence. Groups held meaningful discussions about gender equality, the role of men and boys in standing up for justice, child marriage, and the education of the Girl Child. Facilitators were community leaders, …
UNESCO schools annual gathering (The Netherlands, 2016)
In the Hague, at the annual meeting of the Dutch UNESCO network of 35 schools, Mercy’s Blessing was screened for school coordinators, teachers, and students. The film’s director, May Taherzadeh presented the film in light of Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 5 (Quality Education and Gender Equality) and explained how the film can be used in UNESCO schools and classrooms.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr Shirin Ebadi at launch of Girls Write the Future (United Kingdom, 2017)
In Oxford, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Dr Shirin Ebadi, Order of Canada award-winning journalist, Sally Armstrong, and the short film Mercy’s Blessing took centre stage at the opening ceremony launch of the charity for girls’ education, Girls Write the Future.
Justice Conference (The Netherlands, 2016)
At the plenary session of the Justice Conference Mercy’s Blessing was screened followed by a Q&A session with the film’s director, May Taherzadeh. The conference is a forum for the exploration of international law, global governance, justice, and ethics and the theme that year was Shining a Light of Illumination in Turbulent and Divided Times.