Social Norms
Social norms action with informed and engaged societies
Social Norms
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
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We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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Dukan Karshe Radio Drama

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Dukan Karshe, which roughly means "the last straw" in the Hausa language, was a nine-part radio series broadcast in 11 northern states of Nigeria between March 25 and May 4 2013 to guide young Nigerians on how the political process works and how to push for reforms. The series was intended to encourage political participation by women and youth — who are traditionally marginalised in northern Nigeria — by reinforcing the idea that they are capable leaders and can run for office without upsetting religious or cultural sensibilities. The series was produced by Forward in Action for Education, Poverty, and Malnutrition (FACE-PAM), with support from the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the United States Agency for International Development, and the United Kingdom Department for International Development.
Communication Strategies

The Dukan Karshe radio drama, told in two dialects of the Hausa language prevalent in northern Nigeria, covers such themes as the roles and rights of citizens in a democracy, reducing corruption in government, holding elected officials accountable for their campaign promises, and increasing the participation of women and youth in governance. The radio series provides original examples of people action and community participation to teach citizens about their rights and responsibilities and the accountability of those elected to rule.


In one episode of the drama, a young man and woman decide to run for their local council to correct injustices, which include government funds being diverted from schools and hospitals to line the pockets of local politicians. "It is time for us as women to take part fully in politics," the woman says. "We are the mothers. We know what is good for our community." In another, a young female character named Sakina speaks to women who are frustrated that their children are not receiving state scholarships they have qualified for. She encourages the women not to let the government misuse the money and explains how to write a petition and gather signatures to take to the local council.


In addition to the drama, FACE-PAM recorded and aired three radio panel discussions in which northern community leaders discussed the themes of the series and responded to questions from listeners, who were prompted after each broadcast to send in their thoughts via text message.

Development Issues

Gender Equality, Political Participation

Key Points

Largely Muslim northern Nigeria is underdeveloped in comparison with the rest of the country, and education levels are low, especially among women. The region bore the brunt of post-election violence following the 2011 general elections, and it has been plagued by Islamist terrorist attacks over the past two years. Many observers believe that the violence is a result of resentment about the North’s poor standard of living, which is partly caused by mismanagement and bad governance. Encouraging women and youth to get involved in politics could bring a fresh enthusiasm for reform in the region.

Partners

Forward in Action for Education, Poverty, and Malnutrition (FACE-PAM), National Democratic Institute (NDI), the United States Agency for International Development, United Kingdom Department for International Development.

Sources

NDI website and FACE-PAM website on September 30 2013.