VOA’s latest documentary A Single Step: Journeys of Women Leaders debuted at a special screening at the Asia Society in New York on September 24, bringing in a great crowd and a dynamic discussion following the screening.
The event took place on the eve of UNGA, when major sustainability development goals were unveiled. Amina Mohammed, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s Special Adviser on Post-2015 Development Planning, gave the keynote address at the Asia Society.
Produced in partnership with the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union and narrated by Academy Award winner Sally Field, the 30-minute film explores the barriers women face in the developed and developing world on issues such as human rights, health, climate change and civil society.
The discussion following the screening included Peggy Liu, one of the women featured in the film for her work in helping create a more environmentally conscious China; Aamina Awan, who leads the UN Women’s global youth engagement strategy for the HerForShe Campaign; VOA’s Beth Mendelson, Senior Executive Producer of A Single Step; Josette Sheeran, President and CEO of the Asia Society; and Tom Nagorski, Executive Vice President of the Asia Society moderated the panel.
The film also features Katie Meyler, TIME’s Person of the Year in 2014, for her work during the Ebola crisis in Liberia; Sharon Bhagwan Rolls who is giving women a voice in Fiji; Dr. Sachiko Kuno who is nurturing social entrepreneurs in Washington, D.C.; and Dr. Aparna Hegde who is using mobile phones to better inform poor pregnant women in Mumbai.
“I am at a loss for words to express my deep admiration for each one of the leaders featured. I thank you for the opportunity. This will bring attention to ARMMAN's work and help us expand our reach,” said Aparna Hegde, one of the five women featured in the film.
An opinion piece by Kelu Chao, Acting Director of Voice of America and Tara Sonenshine, former Under Secretary of State of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs can be found here.
A Single Step: Journeys of Women Leaders can be viewed in its entirety here.
