Population Media Center-Ethiopia A Multi-Media Communication Campaign for Prevention of Female Genital Mutilation in Ethiopia Presented by Negussie Teffera, Ph.D Country Representative, Population Media Center - Ethiopia At the SBCC Summit, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia February 8-10, 2016 Negussie T Status of FGM in Ethiopia Prevalence is high (63 Percent) All forms of FGM practiced in Ethiopia It has moderately declined in recent years 2 Why Does FGM Continue in Ethiopia? First and foremost it is an issue entrenched into the cultural fabric of society -Low social and economic status of women Low level of literacy of society 3 Objective of the Project Improvement of reproductive health of women and girls and particularly the reduction of female genital mutilation by addressing issues such as women concerns and harmful traditional practices. Negussie T Implementation strategy Research Based 1. Literature Review Objectives: Conduct surveys of scholarly articles, conference proceedings, dissertations, government policies and laws regarding HTP and FGM. Examine the full range of issues and identify gaps Identify issues that are still outstanding Identify intervention gaps Identify barriers to the elimination of the practice Negussie T Implementation strategiescontd 2. Formative Research Objectives: To provide Information for the design of culturally sensitive, appropriate and acceptable radio serial dramas To generate audience focused qualitative information for creative writers To furnish representative information for the development of policy framework, issues list and value grids on which educational themes on radio serial drama are to be based Negussie T Multi-media Communication Interventions 1. Production and Transmission of Research Based Radio Serial Drama - Sebrat (Trauma) 2. Special panel discussion radio programmes in three languages. Potential listeners were estimated to be more than 30 million population. Negussie T 3. Print Material Production and Distribution 1. Leaflets Over 200,ooo leaflets in Amharic and Oromiffa languages were printed and distributed to schools, youth centers, etc. Leaflets for both Afar and Somali regions were also printed and distributed in Afar and Somali languages. 2. Special Booklets 3. Books Collection of real life stories in three volumes Negussie T Collection of real life stories on HTP/FGM (Amharic) Posters on FGM for Afar Region Negussie T Meaning We don't let our daughter get circumcized Poster and Billboard on FGM for Somali Region Negussie T Meaning We Have Agreed that FGM has to be stopped Poster on FGM for Somali Region Negussie T Meaning We don't let our daughter get circumcized 13 5. Capacity Building and Awareness Creation Workshop for Change Agents Awareness Creation Workshop for Somali Region Religious Leaders Negussie T Awareness Creation Workshop for Afar Region Religious Leaders Negussie T Awareness Creation workshop for Afar Region Community Leaders Negussie T Official Declarations were made by Religious leaders of Afar and Somali Regions At the end of each workshop, the participants have declared their position regarding the elimination of FGM in the Afar and Somali regions. The declarations were read through radio and TV in Afar and Somali languages. Negussie T National Awareness Creation Workshop Participants from all Major Religious Organizations Negussie T Workshop on FGM Implications for the Health of Girls & The Role of Women Leaders Participants from all Regions Women Affairs Bureau Negussie T Workshop on FGM Implications for the Health of Girls & The Role of Youth Leaders Participants from Selected Youth Anti-AIDS & RH clubs Negussie T Workshop on the Role of Journalists & Media Practitioners in Combating FGM Negussie T Workshop on the Role of Writers in Combating FGM Negussie T Workshop on the Role of Journalists & Media Practitioners in Combating FGM Negussie T Workshop on the Role of Reproductive Health Professionals in Combating FGM Negussie T KEY FINDINGS Religious leaders in Afar and Somali regions have been motivated to revisit the holy Koran and Islamic literature. Religious leaders in Afar and Somali regions, for the first time, began to teach their followers in the mosques including Friday prayers and Islamic holidays. The radio programmes have been able to evoke discussion and debates among the public and in particular among the youth. Many of the circumcisers who attended the trainings have now been refrained from performing circumcision; PMC trained circumcisers are now actively engaged in anti -FGM campaign; The youth & the community who have been exposed to PMC radio programs have started to oppose the practice openly & stop planned FGM either by reporting to the Police or convincing the parents of the girls; Negussie T Key FindingsContd HTP and FGM became one of the agendas in religious teachings in both churches, and mosques. Anti-FGM clubs were established in a number of high schools. Many young girls who listened to the radio dramas and programmes started prohibiting the circumcision of their young sisters by convincing their parents. Regional states in Afar and Somali regions in consultation with religious leaders formulated resolution against FGM. Training Workshops Participants specially youth and women associations leaders started to organize similar workshops in their respective areas. Media agencies at the national, regional levels including educational medias and school mini medias stated producing similar radio programmes using PMC materials. Negussie T Key Findings cont FGM in Afar and Somali Regions are no longer ceremonial to be celebrated as was in the past. In a lot of cases FGM is now practiced in hiding and far away places Because of the increase in public awareness FGM in on the decline in recent years. 2/17/2016Negussie T Negussie T