What is Crossroads all about?

Photos: scripting workshop

CMFD produced Crossroads on behalf of FAHAMU (Networks for Social Justice) and the African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), to explore issues related to the African Union Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa. The aim of the drama is to promote awareness of the protocol and the issues it addresses in a way that makes these issues real to people who may not even know that such a mechanism exists. Through drama and engaging storylines, the series raise s awareness about issues such as the right to peace, religion, and freedom from violence; marriage and divorce; political participation; education; and reproductive health and HIV.  The radio drama programme will target local communities through community radio stations.

Why was the drama developed?

The AU Protocol is a very important document. However, most people outside of the NGO sector do not know about it. It needs to be popularised so that people know that it exists and how it affects them. Currently, a campaign for its ratification and domestication is being spearheaded by a coalition of more than twenty organisations known as Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR) Coalition, in which FEMNET and FAHAMU are members. So far, the Protocol has been ratified in about 23 African countries and there is therefore need to popularise and mobilise the remaining 27 countries to not only ratify but also domesticate the Protocol. The Media for African Women’s Rights Project (MEWOR) is aimed at the development of a series of radio programmes to create widespread awareness about the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa. The first planning meeting  for the project was co-hosted in Nairobi, Kenya by FAHAMU and FEMNET with the main aim of developing a three year work plan and identifying collaborating partners for the project in pilot regions and countries.The Project seeks to use communication and advocacy as key strategies in promoting human rights and social justice in Africa.

• Current affairs radio programme – to be produced in order to reach other audiences such as lawmakers, government ministries, the media, NGOs and opinion leaders and will provide basic information on specific aspects of the Protocol.
• Radio drama series - targeting local communities through community radio stations. Crossroads is the product of this focus area.
  
• Cartoons targeted at younger audiences - will contribute to a new generation that can join the call for the domestication of the Protocol.  Research has also found that children can positively influence their parents’ behaviour and opinions.

Main themes in Crossroads

In order to keep the drama focused we chose six key themes to build the storyline around. These themes were chosen in consultation with FEMNET and FAHAMU and reflect some of the central issues facing Kenyan women, especially in peri-urban and rural areas.

Photo: Scriptwriting workshop participants

Right to peace – Everyone has the right to live in peace. Though often left out of such processes, women also have the right to be present in decision making to prevent conflict, and in peace building initiatives. Women should be seen as agents of change.

Freedom from violence  - Violence against women continues to be a pervasive problem on the continent. Violence affects women’s ability to achieve equality, and threatens their freedom, safety, health and autonomy. The drama should encourage governments to enact legislation to protect women, service providers to offer supportive care for victims, communities to take up the issue, and inform individuals where to get help. Violence against women is wrong, and hurts society as a whole.

Marriage and divorce- The Protocol provides that women should have equal rights in marriage, and have equally ability to divorce. Cases of forced and early marriage persist in Africa. The drama should encourage people to keep their children in school, out of wedlock, and demonstrate a culture of mutual respect in marriage. Healthy relationships contribute to everyone’s health and security. 

Political participation- Everyone has right to be involved and participate in political issues. Such participation is necessary for a healthy society, and to ensure that women’s issues are represented. The drama should encourage women to participate in decision making.

Right to education- Everyone has the right to education regardless of  gender, race, age, or ability. Of particular concern is ensuring girl children stay in school. The drama should encourage parents to keep girls in school for the good of the family and the country.