UNFPA is supporting a filming visit by Francis Mead of UNTV New York. Francis is working with Osama Abueita, National Programme Officer and Gaza sub-office Coordinator, and a local cameraman to produce a film portrait of Feeza Shraim, a courageous nurse-midwife, who has won an award from Americans for UNFPA for her work.
Background
During the 2008-2009 Israeli military operation in Gaza, women struggled to get to hospitals to receive medical care. The situation was especially precarious for pregnant women. Reacting to the crisis, midwife Feeza Shraim re-opened an emergency delivery room she had created several years before. Fifty-two women delivered babies during the 21-day conflict, as Shraim worked around the clock. On several nights, she was called to homes where pregnant women were trapped by shelling or lack of transportation.
The film will show the impact of conflict-related violence on women in Gaza, highlighting the dangers faced by expectant mothers. Shraim is now lobbying for better services for expectant mothers in the more remote areas of Gaza.
A ten-minute film will be released in time for the launch of UNFPA’s 2010 State of the World Population Report on Women, Peace and Security later this year. The film will also be included in UNTV’s monthly magazine show, 21st Century, which is distributed to 60 broadcasters worldwide. A shorter film will also be shown at an Awards Ceremony to be held by Americans for UNFPA.
