event
Documentary Screening
Tuesday
11
November
Frame 3

The Shadow Pandemic

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative
, -

Maison de la paix | Room S5

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The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative and the Gender Centre invite you to a documentary screening of The Shadow Pandemic.

Violence against women is a global concern that needs to be tackled with strategies aimed at dismantling gender hierarchies and structural inequality. Switzerland is no exception, as domestic violence remains an urgent but often hidden social crisis. According to recent data, nearly one in three women aged 15 to 49 in Switzerland have experienced abuse from an intimate partner. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened this situation, with lockdowns and social isolation leading to a dramatic spike in incidents of domestic violence. Since then, violence against women has increasingly been called the “shadow pandemic”, underscoring its persistent and escalating impact alongside other global emergencies. Despite increased awareness, domestic violence is frequently underreported due to stigma, fear, and lack of access to support, especially during periods of social restriction.

 

SYNOPSIS

The Shadow Pandemic is a powerful new documentary by Paola Ghislieri that sheds light on the widespread domestic violence affecting women in Switzerland, particularly in the Romandy region. Through expert interviews and moving testimonies from survivors, the documentary not only reveals the scale and impact of the crisis but also explores the support systems and preventive measures in place to combat this phenomenon.

We invite you to join us for a special screening of The Shadow Pandemic, followed by a panel discussion with experts in the field of domestic violence. This event is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and stand in solidarity with survivors.

Your participation can help break the silence, support those affected, and contribute to building a safer, more just community for all.

 

Speakers

 
Pre screening opening by Alessia Nicastro, PhD Researcher in International Law, Gender Centre, Geneva Graduate Institute and Paola Ghislieri — Documentary Filmmaker
Post screening panel discussion moderated by Alessia Nicastro:
 
  • Neus Torbisco Casals, Adjunct Professor, International Law Department, Geneva Graduate Institute
  • Nadia Boehlen, Co-lead, Communication & Politics, and Spokesperson, Amnesty International Switzerland
  • Noemí Blázquez Benito — President of ADEMAG
  • Inés Leon, Master’s student, Geneva Graduate Institute
 
 

TRAILER

 

Watch the trailer here. 

 


 PARTNERS

Disclaimer

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