Population Media Center Ethiopia

Celebrating Collaboration at the 4th CSOs Week Exhibition   The 4th Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Week is in full swing at the Ghion Hotel, Addis Ababa, under the theme: “Renew the Promise for an Enduring Peace & Equitable Development.” This annual event, running from December 6–8, 2024, brings together civil society organizations, government bodies, private sector partners, and development agencies to showcase impactful contributions to Ethiopia’s social and economic progress. Population Media Center-Ethiopia (PMC-E) is proudly participating in this exhibition, highlighting over two decades of achievements, including transformative projects that promote social behavior change and sustainable development. The platform provides an excellent opportunity for PMC-E to engage with stakeholders and demonstrate its impactful role in fostering equitable growth. The grand opening ceremony witnessed the presence of senior government officials, ambassadors, development partners, and civil society leaders, emphasizing the significance of collaboration between CSOs, the government, and private sector actors. This shared commitment strengthens collective efforts for meaningful reforms and a brighter future for Ethiopia. The exhibition remains open to the public throughout the weekend. Join us at the Ghion Hotel to explore the vital contributions of civil society organizations and engage in discussions on building a peaceful and inclusive Ethiopia.   #CSOsWeek2024 #EquitableDevelopment #PeaceAndProgress #Ethiopia #SocialImpact #CollaborationForChange

Celebrating the Leadership and Resilience of Persons with Disabilities On this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), we proudly joined the global community to celebrate this momentous occasion for the 33rd time worldwide and the 32nd time in our country. Under the empowering theme, "Promoting the Leadership Role of Persons with Disabilities and Ensuring Sustainable Development!", the day highlighted the vital contributions of persons with disabilities in all areas of life. An inspiring and dignified ceremony emphasized the need for inclusivity, accessibility, and equity as essential pillars of sustainable development. The event reinforced the importance of empowering persons with disabilities to take on leadership roles and drive progress across communities, institutions, and nations. At Population Media Center, we remain committed to integrating disability-inclusive initiatives into all our programs, ensuring that the voices and needs of persons with disabilities are represented and prioritized. As we commemorate this significant day, let’s reaffirm our dedication to creating an inclusive world where everyone, regardless of ability, can lead, thrive, and make meaningful contributions. Together, we can build a future that truly leaves no one behind. #LeadershipMatters #DisabilityInclusion #SustainableDevelopment #Empowerment #InternationalDayOfPersonsWithDisabilities #EquityAndAccessibility #InclusionMatters

Breaking the Cycle: Why SGBV Persists and How We Can End It Together   Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) persists in the 21st century due to deeply rooted gender inequalities, harmful cultural norms, and weak enforcement of protective laws. Research highlights that patriarchal attitudes and a lack of accountability often embolden perpetrators while silencing survivors. Additionally, limited awareness and inadequate resources further hinder efforts to address SGBV effectively. To break this cycle, a collaborative approach is critical. Governments must strengthen legal frameworks, enforce justice, and invest in survivor-centered services. International NGOs (INGOs) can amplify these efforts by implementing evidence-based interventions, such as community education programs, and ensuring vulnerable groups have access to essential resources. By working together, INGOs and governments can foster social norms that promote gender equality, prevent violence, and empower women and girls to reclaim their rights. This year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence reminds us that eliminating SGBV requires collective action—because safety and dignity are not privileges; they are human rights. Let’s stand united and commit to building a world free from violence. #16DaysOfActivism #EndGBV #GenderEquality #INGOImpact

Principles for Addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a critical issue that demands a holistic and survivor-centered response. Below are ten guiding principles that form the foundation of effective SGBV prevention and response efforts: 1️⃣ Survivor-Centered Approach: Respect the dignity, rights, and choices of survivors while safeguarding confidentiality and informed consent. 2️⃣ Do No Harm: Interventions must avoid retraumatizing survivors or reinforcing harmful gender norms. 3️⃣ Accountability: Hold perpetrators accountable and ensure justice systems and programs are transparent, equitable, and effective. 4️⃣ Gender Equality: Address the root causes of GBV by challenging patriarchal norms and promoting equal opportunities for all. 5️⃣ Multisectoral Approach: integrate efforts across health, education, legal, and social sectors for comprehensive responses. 6️⃣ Empowerment of Women and Girls: Strengthen their voices, leadership, and capacity to drive meaningful change. 7️⃣ Cultural Sensitivity: Design interventions that respect local contexts while challenging harmful traditions. 8️⃣ Sustainability: Build long-term solutions supported by sustainable funding and institutional frameworks. 9️⃣ Inclusion and Accessibility: Ensure services reach marginalized groups and address barriers to access. 🔟 Evidence-Based Practices: Continuously use research and data to inform and improve program design and impact. Tackling SGBV requires collaboration, commitment, and innovation to create a safer, more equitable world for everyone. Let’s amplify the message, challenge harmful norms, and take collective action!

Breaking the Cycle: Strengthening the Fight to End Gender-Based Violence Every year, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence remind us of the urgent need to eliminate violence in all its forms. At Population Media Center (PMC), we stand resolute in our commitment to ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Through innovative storytelling and community-driven initiatives, we empower individuals to challenge harmful norms, advocate for survivors, and create safe, equitable societies. From addressing harmful practices to advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), our work fuels awareness and action. Ending GBV requires all of us to act. Let’s amplify survivors' voices, challenge stereotypes, and work together to build a future free from violence. Join us in this crucial movement as we pledge to be a part of the solution—not just for 16 days but every day. #EndGBV #16DaysOfActivism #TogetherForEquality #StopViolenceAgainstWomen #BreakTheCycle #SocialChangeThroughMedia

Empowering Ethiopia's Youth Through Multimedia Storytelling: A Holistic Approach to Sexual and Reproductive Health, Family Planning, and Gender Equality On October 15, 2024, Population Media Center-Ethiopia (PMC-E) launched a writer’s training session in Addis Ababa for its innovative multimedia project in collaboration with DKT Ethiopia. This project, initiated in May 2024, focuses on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), Family Planning (FP), Harmful Practices, and Social Cohesion. PMC-E’s Country Director, Dr. Hailegnaw Eshete, welcomed the participants, reinforcing PMC’s mission of promoting women’s rights, population health, and sustainability. His opening remarks set the tone for the workshop, introducing the central piece of this initiative: a 104-episode radio serial drama (RSD) designed to address the pressing issues of Ethiopia’s youth and broader population. The project targets increasing awareness and behaviors around SRH, boosting demand and access to contraceptives, reducing gender-based violence (GBV), and fostering social cohesion across five Ethiopian regions. The radio drama, set to be produced in Amharic, will engage youth, women, men, and community leaders to inspire positive change. Digital media, community outreach, and capacity-building activities will support the project’s impact. Tigist Moges, PMC-E’s Program Manager, detailed the project’s first phase, which includes field trips, pilot scriptwriting, and training for plotting and producing the drama. This careful planning ensures content that resonates with the target audience. Kefyalew Asmara, Senior Project Coordinator for the PMC/DKT project, expanded on the objectives, focusing on improving SRH literacy and reducing GBV and FGM. He also highlighted the theory of change, which will guide the project’s implementation and assessment. Leading the training was Chengo Musakanya, Head Writer and Trainer from PMC’s Zambia office, who brought invaluable experience from similar projects across Africa. He focused on the role of positive, negative, and transitional characters in radio serial dramas, explaining how they help to drive behavior change by illustrating real-life struggles, consequences, and transformations. These characters play a vital role in capturing the audience’s attention and inspiring reflection and change. This project, funded by DKT Ethiopia and implemented by PMC-E, marks a crucial step toward educating and empowering Ethiopia’s youth through the power of storytelling.   #YouthEmpowerment #SocialChange #BehaviorChange #SRH #FamilyPlanning #GenderEquality #GBVPrevention #FGM #PopulationMediaCenter #Ethiopia

Advocacy Workshop on GBV, SRH, Family Planning, and Social Cohesion Held in Sidama Region, Hawassa On September 30, 2024, Population Media Center-Ethiopia (PMC-E), in partnership with UNFPA, conducted an advocacy workshop in the Sidama region, focusing on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), Family Planning (FP), and Social Cohesion. The workshop brought together regional and woreda stakeholders to raise awareness, promote collaboration, and equip them with the skills needed to address these crucial issues. Key objectives included sharing evidence-based information, fostering communication skills, encouraging partnerships across sectors, and creating a platform for stakeholders to exchange best practices. The workshop also set clear goals for implementing pilot project activities in selected woredas. Leaders from the Bureau of Women, Youth, and Social Affairs and UNFPA highlighted PMC-E’s long-standing role in promoting social change, especially in combating harmful practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage. The workshop’s participants, including government officials, faith-based organizations, community leaders, and role models, were called upon to become agents of change within their communities. The project, set to expand in 2025, aims to foster healthier, more equitable communities by addressing critical issues impacting women, girls, and families in the Sidama region. #GBV #SRH #FamilyPlanning #SocialCohesion #Sidama #PMCEthiopia #UNFPA #EndGBV #EmpowerCommunities

The book highlights key achievements, including popular radio serial dramas like Yeken Kignit, Dimbiba, Menta Menged, Sibrat, Mieraf, and Nikakat, among others. It also features the success of radio talk shows such as Yalaleke Guzo, Baby Wash, Mano, and Himilo. In addition to showcasing these engaging programs, the book covers powerful human-interest stories, results from audience monitoring surveys, insights on social media impacts, and collaborative efforts with Ethiopian women’s legal associations via Hotline services. It offers a comprehensive view of PMC-E’s work in empowering communities across Ethiopia over the last 20 years. PMC-E is an international organization dedicated to using entertainment-education and mass media to promote women’s rights, population stabilization, and environmental sustainability. Our mission is to drive social and cultural change by addressing interconnected issues such as women’s empowerment, population, and environmental sustainability. We aim to help people live healthier, more prosperous lives while supporting a sustainable balance with the world’s resources. Through various projects, PMC-E has made significant strides in addressing critical issues such as HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, family planning, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and child marriage. Our innovative communication strategies, particularly through radio dramas and talk shows, have effectively spread awareness, fostered behavioral changes, and empower individuals across the nation. A heartfelt thank you to all governmental bodies—from federal to woreda levels—for your unwavering support and collaboration. Your partnership has been instrumental in transforming our vision into impactful societal change. 📖 Want to dive deeper? The book is available online for all to explore! #PMC #EmpowermentThroughMedia #CommunityImpact #WomensRights #EnvironmentalSustainability #FGM #PopulationStabilization #SocialChange #TwoDecadesOfImpact

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