16 Days of Activism: When Silencing Women’s Voices Speaks Louder Than Words.
Just before Thanksgiving, Occidental College’s Friday Feminist Film Series featured a screening and panel tackling sexual violence. Amid the 16 Days of Activism, the event highlighted the struggle against censorship, boycotts, and silencing, showcasing the courage required to speak out.
By Heidi Basch-Harod
A Gathering for Change.
In an unexpected turn of events, a film screening aimed at addressing sexual violence turned into a powerful example of the challenges women face in raising their voices. Determination and courage battled censorship, campus boycotts, and a broader culture of silencing during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Source: Times of Israel
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The Controversy Around Screams Before Silence.
The films, Screams Before Silence and Daughters of Abraham, highlighted the global crisis of sexual violence and the power of connection amidst conflict. This event, held during the 16 Days of Activism, was moderated by Esmé Bianco, a survivor of sexual assault, and attended by Victoria Valentino, an early whistleblower on Bill Cosby. Despite these prominent voices, attendance throughout the semester had been sparse.
Source: Times of Israel
A Call for Dialogue Amid Boycotts.
In the weeks leading up to the screening, posters promoting the event were defaced, specifically targeting the mention of Screams Before Silence. The film, produced by Sheryl Sandberg, documents the October 7 sexual violence during the Hamas attacks in Israel, and its inclusion sparked accusations of propaganda. Dr. Caroline Heldman, Chair of the Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, noted a boycott organized by student groups, adding tension to the event’s already volatile context. This situation reflected the ongoing struggles of silencing women’s voices, even in educational spaces.
Source: Times of Israel
Silencing Through Disruption.
To foster understanding, the organizers included Daughters of Abraham, a film showcasing the relationship between Nada Higuera, a Palestinian-American, and Heidi Basch-Harod, an Israeli-American.
Their story of mutual respect and humanization was meant to open pathways for constructive dialogue, even among those with opposing views.
Nada’s personal journey—moving from denial about the events of October 7 to recognizing the shared pain of all sides—underscored the program’s mission: to create space for compassion and understanding amid division. This film highlighted how even in the midst of the 16 Days of Activism, we must continue to create spaces for women’s voices to be heard.
Source: Times of Israel
The Courage of Five Students.
Instead of protests or disruptions, campus groups opposing the event employed subtler tactics. A counter-event titled “Transnational Feminist Solidarities” was organized at the same time to divert attendees. Students were misled to alternative locations, and even physical barriers, like a locked door, impeded access.
Source: Times of Israel
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Speaking Out During the 16 Days of Activism.
Despite these efforts, five students—four of them Jewish—attended the screening. Their stories highlighted a troubling reality. Through tears, they recounted being ostracized for not aligning with campus demands to simplify their identities and political views. Their participation marked a rare moment on campus to acknowledge the atrocities of October 7 openly, showcasing how silence and oppression still dominate in the fight for human rights, even in the context of the 16 Days of Activism, a global period of reflection and action to combat abuse and support survivors.
Source: Times of Israel
A Call to Resist Censorship.
The voices of those present called for recognition—not just of the victims of October 7—but also of the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression and acknowledgment of complex truths. These brave women and men stood as a testament to the power of speaking out, even when it comes at great personal cost.
Source: Times of Israel
Ending with Resolve.
In a world where speaking out can come at great personal cost, this screening reminds us why courage matters. Let us not give up. Let us amplify voices silenced by fear, creating spaces where truth, dialogue, and understanding can prevail. This 16 Days of Activism, let us stand firm in our commitment to supporting those who are silenced and ensuring their voices are heard.
Source: Times of Israel
“We must continue to speak out against the hypocrisy and the censorship, through the tears and the intimidation. We owe it to ourselves and to those whose lives were violently ended.”
– Heidi Basch-Harod, Women’s Voices Now Executive Director
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