Impure | Panel Discussion - Official North American Premiere

Following the North American Premiere of IMPURE at UNICEF Headquarters in #NewYorkCity on #MHDay2025, a remarkable #panel brought together leading voices in activism, research, filmmaking, and global policy.

This panel offered a deep, honest, and far-reaching discussion about how storytelling can be used not only to spark awareness but to fuel meaningful social change. The panelists are:

-Melissa Berton: Oscar-winning filmmaker (Period. End of Sentence), Executive Director of The Pad Project, Women's & Girls' Rights Advocate

-Shudufhadzo Musida: South African author, philanthropist, model, and UNFPA Global Champion for Women and Girls

-Marni Sommer: Professor of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health

-Ann Thomas: Senior WASH Advisor at UNICEF

-Rico Herre: Director, Writer, Producer of IMPURE

-Danielle Engel: Technical Advisor on SRHR at UNFPA, Panel Moderator

Across disciplines and lived experiences, the speakers explored the urgent need to dismantle menstrual stigma, elevate youth voices, strengthen education systems, and ensure that menstrual health and dignity remain central to global development efforts. Their insights illuminated the vital connection between narrative power and policy action, showing how a film like IMPURE can open doors to conversations that have long been overdue.

The video also includes the powerful closing remarks delivered by Antara Ganguli, Director of UNGEI, whose reflections grounded the evening in a clear call to action: that collective work, bold storytelling, and sustained advocacy are essential if we are to close the global gender gaps that continue to hold girls back.

📽️ The full panel is now available to watch, an inspiring and thought-provoking dialogue for anyone working in gender equality, education, youth empowerment, menstrual health, filmmaking, or social impact. Because change begins when voices are heard and amplified.

We stand together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld. Let’s champion menstrual equity and empower voices everywhere. 🩸❤️

📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe to stay updated on future milestones and the impact of IMPURE!

🌍 Learn more about the film and follow our journey: 👉 https://linktr.ee/impure.film

🎥 A note on production: Please excuse minor sound and image imperfections.

Camera by: Michael Simo
Edited by: Rico Herre

The event was organized by UNICEF, UNFPA, and Real Relief, in collaboration with The Pad Project, UNGEI, WASH United, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Common Light Pictures, and Unplug Africa.

If you feel inspired to learn more about the work of the event organizers & partners, or if you like to support them, you can check out their websites here:
UNICEF: https://www.unicef.org/
UNFPA: https://www.unfpa.org/
Real Relief: https://www.realreliefway.com/
The Pad Project: https://thepadproject.org/
UNGEI: https://www.ungei.org/
WASH United: https://www.wash-united.org/
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands: https://www.government.nl/ministries/...