*Warning: This article discusses suicidal behaviour. If you have questions on self-harm or feel suicidal, use this link to find an international helpline.*
The PHSI were delighted to support a public screening of ‘Her Name Was Sita’ – a short documentary exploring womanhood, virtue, shame, and suicide in Nepal. In Nepal, suicide is the single leading cause of death among women of reproductive age. It is a serious but neglected public health problem. ‘Her Name Was Sita’ explores the concept of a virtuous woman and how shame and honour can lead to self-harm and suicide in Nepal.
The event, held at the M Shed in Bristol, showcased the film created by film maker Heshani Sothiraj Eddleston, as part of a collaboration between the University of Bristol Suicide and Self Harm group (SASH) and the University of Edinburgh Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention (CPSP). The film was followed by a panel discussion, which provided opportunity for a thought provoking conversation around the project and wider issues. The screening was well attended with 60 audience members from a variety of sectors including academia, charity, health, and the general public.
The trailer for the film can be found here, and more information is available on the CPSP website. To learn more about the University of Bristol SASH group, please visit their webpage.