Bonni Curran Memorial Lecture
Each year, the Festival opens with a lecture by an internationally acclaimed advocate for women and girls. In 2014, it was named in honor of Bonni Curran, who was tragically killed in an accident in 2013.
Bonni was a physician, loving mother and wife, and not only a prominent local philanthropist, but deeply committed to working on behalf of women and children around the world. She had been a supporter of the Festival from its inception. In honoring her memory each year, we are reminded of the impact she had on our community and how much we miss her presence.
Bonni Curran Memorial Lecture
Each year, the Festival opens with a lecture by an internationally acclaimed advocate for women and girls. In 2014, it was named in honor of Bonni Curran, who was tragically killed in an accident in 2013.
Bonni was a physician, loving mother and wife, and not only a prominent local philanthropist, but deeply committed to working on behalf of women and children around the world. She had been a supporter of the Festival from its inception. In honoring her memory each year, we are reminded of the impact she had on our community and how much we miss her presence.
Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Executive Director
Opening the 13th annual Family of Woman Film Festival,
September 8
“Women’s reproductive health and rights must be safeguarded,” said UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem. “Services must continue, supplies must be delivered
and the vulnerable must be protected and supported.”
The COVID-19 crisis and UNFPA’s response will be the topic of Dr. Kanem’s keynote speech for The Bonni Curran Memorial Lecture, opening the 13th annual Family of Woman Festival, September 8, streaming through The Community Library. Festival films will be shown September 9 through 13 via the Library’s streaming service.
“Dr. Kamen had been scheduled to deliver The Bonni Curran Memorial Lecture in
February 2019, but she was called away on special assignment by the Secretary General,” said Executive Director and Festival Founder Peggy Elliott Goldwyn. “We are honored that she will be able to discuss this critical issue with us for the 2020 edition of The Family of Woman Film Festival.”
With many nations paralyzed by the pandemic, over 47 million women in 114 low and middle-income countries may not be able to access modern contraceptives, resulting in over seven million unintended pregnancies. Childbirth has become less safe during the pandemic as well, for health workers, mothers, and babies. Over 31 million additional cases of gender-based violence are expected with a six-month lockdown; for every three additional months, an additional 15 million cases are expected. COVID-19 has also disrupted efforts to end child marriages, which are often contracted out of economic need.
Working in more than 150 countries and territories, UNFPA is leveraging its
widespread presence and a strong record of collaboration with ministries of health,
international and national non governmental organizations and women’s and youth groups, among others, to help health-care systems at risk of collapsing and prioritize the particular needs of women and girls.
Vignettes of UNFPA actions to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 around the world will be shown during Dr. Kanem’s lecture, and she will answer questions following her remarks.
Further information regarding UNFPA’s work can be found at either unfpa.org or friendsofunfpa.org.
