Head of the EUMM and senior diplomats performed in support "16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence"

On 7 December, seven senior diplomats, including the Head of the European Union Monitoring Mission, went on stage at the Marjanishvili Theatre in Tbilisi to perform in the internationally acclaimed documentary play “Seven”. Their performance took place in support of the global ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’ campaign. 

The play tells the true story of seven women who bravely fought for the rights of women, children and families around the globe. The play was presented as a staged reading. Each role was performed by one of the seven members of the Tbilisi Diplomatic Corps: 

• H.E. Ambassador Jos Douma, The Netherlands, performed the role of Marina Pisklakova-Parker, Russia 
• H.E. Ambassador Rudolf Michalka, Slovak Republic, performed the role of Inez McCormack, Northern Ireland
• H.E. Ambassador Justin McKenzie Smith, United Kingdom, performed the role of Mu Sochua, Cambodia
• H.E. Ambassador Ian C. Kelly, United States of America, performed the role of Anabella de Leon, Guatemala
• H.E. Ambassador Kęstutis Jankauskas, Head of the European Union Monitoring Mission, performed the role of Farida Azizi, Afghanistan 
• Mr. William Lahue, Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia, performed the role of Hafsat Abiola, Nigeria
• Mr. Shombi Sharp, Resident Representative a.i., United Nations Development Programme in Georgia, performed the role of Mukhtar Mai, Pakistan. 

The play was introduced by Member of Parliament, Helen Khoshtaria and directed by Thomas Burns. It has been performed around the world including in Sweden, in the EU parliament in Brussels and in New York, where Hillary Clinton introduced the play and Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep portrayed Inez McCormack, the Northern Irish trade union, womens and human rights activist.

Head of the European Union Monitoring Mission, Kęstutis Jankauskas, on stage performing his part as the Afghan woman Farida Azizi
Photo: Daro Sulakauri/UNDP  

Ambassadors and senior diplomats performed on stage in support of the ‘16 Days Campaign’ against Gender-Based Violence
Photo: Daro Sulakauri/UNDP  

Backstage photo of the seven senior diplomats after their performance, 

receiving applause from the audience.
Photo: William Boyd/EUMM