Be the light: Young students light the way with the UNiTE Campaign Song

Author: Younghwa Choi

Bangkok, Thailand – On a Sunday afternoon, eight students from Keerapat International School (KPIS) and Asian Institution of Technology (AIT) got together to record a song for the UNiTE Campaign.

from left to right: Ammielle Canullas (15, Philippines), Shaye Pesarillo (14, Philippines), Eyrenth Calabdan (14, Philippines), Melody Lawas (15, Philippines), Halley Dante (15, Philippines), Danielle Bildan (25, Philippines), Kenny (23, India). Photo: UN Women/Younghwa Choi

The students collaborated with UN Women, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in the writing of the campaign song for the United Nation Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign. “After we received the lyrics from UN Women, my sister and I tried to make the song more uplifting and enthusiastic because it’s talking about hope”, Halley Dante, age 15, had led the song production process explained. “As a result, we made this energetic song, while keeping the key message.” Halley highlighted the importance of the message they put in the song, “the title of the song is Be the Light: UNiTE. The message we are trying to portray is to stop violence against women. For the young generation like us in particular, we hope this song will inspire other young people to be the light and to take a stand in ending violence against women.”

(from left to right: Eyrenth Calabdan (14, Philippines), Shaye Pesarillo (14, Philippines),
Danielle Bildan (25, Philippines), Halley Dante (15, Philippines), Ammielle Canullas (15, Philippines),
Melody Lawas (15, Philippines), Kenny (23, India). Photo: UN Women/Younghwa Choi

The singers also underlined the power of music. Danielle Bildan, 25, emphasized, “music is one way that you can get a message to stick in people's minds because people can remember not just the music but also the message.” “Young people are less likely to watch the news or watch debates. They are more likely to get into music. So I think music is the better way to deliver the message to them”, Halley added. Through the UNiTE song, the young singers are inviting their friends and fellow young people to join their journey to speak up for ending violence against women. “There are many roles that young people can play, nowadays”, Melody Lawas, age 15, explained, “I did a speech on women’s rights and how they should be treated fairly. I think young people can spread the word and help to increase awareness on ending violence against women.”

Find out more about how you can join the UNiTE Song Campaign

Be the Light: UNiTE Campaign Anthem