Dear End-violence Members, During the coming few weeks we would like to examine one of the most powerful tools in the effort to end violence against women and girls: the strategic use of media. Media can spotlight pressing issues of violence against women and change attitudes, provide crucial information, and mobilise people to take action. Timely and targeted media and communications materials touch the heart as well as the mind, have an impact on people in profound ways, and support and empower them to create change. The media can be a powerful partner in efforts to end VAW.
Recently, UNIFEM published "Picturing a Life Free of Violence: Media and Communications Strategies to End Violence against Women", which showcases materials from around the world (including materials from many members of the End-Violence Working Group!). This publication can be found at: http://www.unifem.undp.org/public/freeofviolence/index.htm) One example of innovative media use in the publication came from the Cambodian Women's Crisis Centre (CWCC) and the Women's Media Centre of Cambodia (WMC). CWCC and WMC created video and radio programmes to raise awareness about sex trafficking in Cambodian villages. The programmes depict the abysmal conditions of brothels, the tricks that traffickers use to abduct and deceive women into the sex trade, and services that are available to victims of trafficking or people who know the victims. It also explained the laws on trafficking. The campaign was extremely successful in raising awareness about sex trafficking. Many villagers said that the video led them to discuss trafficking with others and to be more careful about strangers who offer jobs. The video prompted the Vice-Mayor of Phnom Penh to convene a meeting of 50 district chiefs, police commissioners and NGO representatives, and to order the police to act strongly against sex trafficking. Within three months of the campaign, almost 400 women and children were rescued from brothels and brought to rehabilitation centres and at least 35 brothel owners were jailed. Of course, no materials or media strategies are effective in every culture or context. Yet we can learn a lot from one another about using media effectively. We hope you will share your experiences and insights about the questions below. Warm regards, The Moderators KEY QUESTIONS: 1. In your experience, what factors contribute to an innovative, and successful, media campaign? Why? 2. Are there specific examples of successful, innovative media materials and campaigns to end VAW? 3. What tactics do NOT work in using media to end VAW? Why? Are there specific examples of failed media materials and campaigns to end VAW? 4. What is needed to foster good relations with media agencies and convince them to carry material to end violence against women? 5. Do you think that it is effective to use the same media techniques to end VAW as companies use to sell products? Why? 6. Can media campaigns to end VAW really change public opinion? Can they change politicians' actions? ***End-violence is sponsored by UNIFEM and receives generous support from ICAP*** To post a message, send it to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe end-violence OR type: unsubscribe end-violence Archives of previous End-violence messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/end-violence/hypermail/
