Newsletter

The Periodic Newsletter of Population Media Center September 2005 PMC Launches Radio Serial Drama in the with UNFPA On July 18, 2005, Sa Pagsikat ng Araw Further, many see family planning as (“The Hope After the Dawn”) went on the being shameful. Some confuse family air nationwide in the Philippines. planning with abortion, which carries much The project began in April 2005 with stigma since many Filipinos are Roman a grant from the United Nations Population Catholic. Some people associate family Fund (UNFPA) in Manila. At that time, planning with prostitution. Some are PMC President Bill Ryerson went to the embarrassed to purchase condoms from Philippines to sign the agreement with drugstores or local shops. Also, the Roman UNFPA and to help PMC Country Catholic Church maintains a strong stance Representative Maggie Cudanin get the against modern methods of family project started. They selected TNS planning and openly advocates for natural Global, one of the most prestigious market methods. research firms in the Philippines, to carry Likewise, there is similar awareness, out a literature review to inform the but lack of knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Many scriptwriters about existing attitudes and believe that it is curable, like other STDs, behaviors regarding reproductive health in and, therefore, do not take precautionary the country. steps to avoid contracting the virus. There In June, Kriss Barker, PMC’s Vice is a lack of effort by those already infected President for International Programs; Tom to undergo treatment or use preventive Kazungu, Director of Radio Production Women working outside; Visayas region of methods in the future. Many who have Training; and Rocha Chimerah, central Philippines. Credit: Liz Gilbert/David contracted the disease find it difficult to and Lucile Packard Foundation. Courtesy of Scriptwriting Trainer, facilitated a three- Photoshare. accept, which is made worse by week scriptwriting workshop in Manila. discrimination and stigmatization by family The three veterans of the Sabido building capacity in the country for future members and neighbors. methodology for behavior change entertainment-education programs.” Yet, Filipinos acknowledge that public communications trained 20 scriptwriters The Philippines has several health measures are necessary, which and 12 actors from June 13 to July 1, 2005. reproductive health and HIV/AIDS bodes well for the acceptance for PMC’s The training took place at the National indicators that show an alarming trend. radio program. There is growing public Commission for Culture and the Arts, Research conducted by UNFPA found that opinion that population growth needs to which is headed PMC Senior Country although youth generally do not engage in slow down. People look to the government Advisor Cecile Guidote Alvarez. premarital sex, those who do are aware of to provide family planning services and Five scriptwriters were ultimately its possible consequences but do not use information, including the use of condoms chosen to write the radio serial drama protection. As a whole, the concept of for protection against HIV/AIDS. Also, addressing issues of HIV/AIDS, women’s modern family planning has not quite taken they recognize spousal communication is empowerment, adolescent reproductive root in this island nation. key to behavior change at the family level. health, and family planning. Twelve actors Throughout the country, there is high Filipinos also acknowledge that there is a and actresses were chosen to be the voices awareness of, but lack of understanding, lack of role models regarding positive for the characters in the program. Ms. regarding methods of family planning. behavior towards family planning. PMC Barker was particularly enthusiastic about While many Filipinos are progressive aims to fill these voids. the inclusion of young scriptwriters in this thinking and open to family planning, they This project grew out of a UNFPA- program. “This is the youngest group of do not actually practice it for various funded regional training workshop PMC scriptwriters we’ve ever trained! All were reasons. For example, some believe in the held for six Asian countries in Manila in under 28, which is great for creating “Bahala na” concept, that fate and/or May 2003. Ms. Cudanin was a participant relevance to young listeners and for destiny controls fertility. at this workshop, which was part of a See Philippines on page 5 President’s Message

S o far in 2005, PMC has added -four new country projects (, , and the Philippines), bringing the total number of countries where PMC is active to twelve. A growing number of partnerships with outstanding NGOs have aided PMC’s mission to stabilize human population numbers in order to help create a sustainable world.

In Jamaica, we are starting a five-year project that will use a radio serial drama to promote avoidance of adolescent parenthood. You will find more about this project in this newsletter.

As a measure of the success to date of PMC’s radio serial drama project in West Africa, USAID has provided funding to PMC to create a similar program in Niger. There, we plan to address the same issues that we are addressing in , , and : linking child exploitation to unplanned childbearing and poverty and addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic, which is leading to a growing number of AIDS orphans, who are easy prey for traffickers.

PMC is also beginning a new project with the Rotarian Fellowship for Population and Development (a branch of Rotary International) in northern Nigeria, dealing with issues of maternal and child health, specifically obstetric fistula. Obstetric fistula is an entirely preventable, but extraordinarily debilitating, injury that occurs to many women who give birth before adulthood, both as a result of their physical immaturity and as a result of unassisted childbirth. PMC’s communication program will encourage delayed childbearing, use of trained professionals during pregnancy and delivery, and safe, effective family planning methods, in order to reduce the incidence of obstetric fistula as well as maternal mortality.

In 2004, PMC created a training manual on the Sabido Methodology for Behavior Change Communication for the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA), which will be published this year. UNFPA has asked PMC to follow up with an “Effective Practices Manual,” showcasing the best examples of programs developed and produced using the Sabido Methodology. In addition, PMC received UNFPA funding in April for a radio serial drama project in the Philippines, which began broadcasting on July 18th. You can read more about in this project, which is the feature story in this newsletter.

P hil Thorson has been one of PMC’s most active board members – right up through his 90th birthday – serving as Secretary of the board. Unfortunately, because of health problems, he has decided to retire. Phil will be greatly missed, as he has added tremendously to PMC’s growth and development. Phil has been involved in decisions about various country projects, to which he brought his expertise gained over many years at the International Monetary Fund. And he has been a very important part of PMC’s fund raising work, reaching out to many donors on our behalf. We will greatly miss his participation in board discussions.

Our most important partnership is with you, our supporters. With your help, PMC has made great strides toward realizing the dream many of us had at PMC’s founding – to work in many of the fastest growing countries of the world to help them stabilize their populations, while simultaneously improving the health and welfare of the people. The partnership PMC has with you, our donors, allows us to have a positive impact on the quality of life of people in many countries. Everywhere we travel, people thank us for our work, and we, in turn, thank you for providing the opportunity for people worldwide to aspire to happier, healthier and more prosperous lives. Thank you so much for your continued support.

Best wishes,

William N. Ryerson

page 2 PMC Wins Promoting Healthy Lifestyles Anti-Trafficking PMC is working in Jamaica in an in Jamaica “Adolescent Healthy Lifestyles” project as Global Contest! a subcontractor to University Research partnership with the Government of Corporation (URC). URC won the new Jamaica, will assist in mobilizing Population Media Center won third contract from the U.S. Agency for communities, families, schools, health place in an online contest calling for the International Development. The five-year workers, and NGOs to strengthen healthy most innovative programs to combat project—a behavior change initiative valued behaviors among youth throughout the trafficking in persons. The contest was at $10.5 million—is designed to support country. This team will provide technical held by the Ashoka Foundation through the efforts of the Jamaican Ministry of assistance in the areas of healthy behavior its website initiative Changemakers.net. Health to address the challenges the promotion, self-esteem building, life-skills The Ashoka Foundation exists to shape a nation’s youth face in the areas of education, improvement of health services, citizen sector that is entrepreneurial, reproductive health, substance abuse, and policy and advocacy. productive and globally integrated and to crime, gangs and violence. The project will PMC will coordinate and implement develop the profession of social develop programs and activities to increase the media strategy in the project. This will entrepreneurship around the world. knowledge and improve attitudes and skills be centered on a radio serial drama Changemakers is an initiative of Ashoka related to healthy lifestyles, to improve the designed to help teens avoid adolescent to build the world's first global online policy environment and to augment the pregnancy and parenthood, and will also "open source" community that competes availability and use of adolescent-friendly address the to develop the best social solutions and health and myriad aims to collaborate to refine, enrich and social problems facing implement those solutions. services. Jamaican youth. PMC’s West African radio serial Led by drama program, Cesiri Tono, came in URC, the third out of 69 competition entries from project team, 22 countries. A panel of judges selected comprised of 16 finalists from the 69 entries. The Health contest was then opened to website Strategies visitors, and online voting ran for one International, week. Visitors to the website picked their Advocates top three programs. Voting concluded for Youth, and on June 13, 2005 with Cesiri Tono PMC, in emerging as the contest’s third place Jamaican youth “chill” on the beach. winner. PMC was awarded $5,000 in Traveling Cartoons addition to recognition as an innovator in Cartoons from PMC’s 2004 National Popula- hood of Northern New England, programs to combat trafficking in tion Cartoon Contest have been on display in a num- who spoke about opening a dia- persons. ber of venues this year. In June 2005, they were logue in the U.S. on sexual health. the featured exhibit in the hallways dur- The 2005 Contest is under Have you read the editorials ing the Global Health Conference in way. Entries will be evaluated Washington, D.C. Attendees from all by a panel of judges, including on Caglecartoons.com - over the world stopped to look at these cartoonists Greg Evans (Luann), the largest editorial cartoon portrayals of the links between popula- Rick Kirkman (Baby Blues), Rick tion growth and the problems of pov- Stromoski (Soup to Nutz) and website? erty and environmental destruction. population experts John Seager This website has run a series of editorials on In August 2005, PMC hosted an (President of Population Connec- population issues, including those by Bill exhibit showcasing the entries at the tion), Allie Stickney (Vice Presi- Ryerson, Dr. Thoraya Obaid (Executive Firehouse Center for the Visual Arts in dent for International Programs at Directorof UNFPA), former Colorado Burlington, Vermont. The exhibit show- Planned Parenthood Federation of Governor Richard Lamm, Lindsey Grant cased the best of last year’s 188 con- America), Caron Whitaker (Di- (former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for test entries. Bill Ryerson, PMC Presi- rector of Population & Environ- Population and Environment), and John Rohe dent and Founder gave a community ment Program at the National (member of the board of the Federation for lecture on how PMC uses the mass Wildlife Federation), and Nancy American Immigration Reform). To view media to address population issues. Yinger (Director of International these columns, visit www.cagelcartoons.com Ryerson was joined by Nancy Mosher, Programs for the Population Ref- and click on Expert Columnists. President and CEO of Planned Parent- erence Bureau). page 3 INTERVIEWwith Gloria Steinem

Gloria Steinem has made her mark in this world by being one of America’s most vocal, well-known and influential feminists. But what, exactly, is a feminist? Ms. Steinem says a feminist is “anyone – woman or a man – who believes in the full social, economic, and political equality of women and men.”

A world traveler, political and reproductive rights activist, public speaker and writer, Ms. Steinem has contributed tremendously to the women’s rights movement, and her fascinating life experiences have molded her into the leader she That same year, she co-founded Ms. Magazine, the first is today. national women’s magazine run by women. It was a magazine of many feminist “firsts” - the first to bring attention to domestic After graduating from Smith College in 1956, Ms. violence and sexual harassment, the first to feature protests Steinem received a fellowship to study history and political against pornography, the first to feature prominent women science in India for two years. There, she became conscious demanding legal abortion, and the first to rate presidential of the extent of poverty and human suffering in the world. She candidates on women's issues. Being one of the editors of Ms. also grew aware of the levels of disparity between Americans’ Magazine, however, did not stop her from political activism. In high standard of living and that of people around the world. 1975, she helped plan the women's agenda for the Democratic National Convention, and, in 1977, Steinem participated in the Armed with youthful idealism, fresh optimism, and a National Conference of Women in Houston, Texas, the first determination to fight social injustice, Ms. Steinem set out to conference of its kind. begin a career in journalism. She worked freelance, writing articles for several magazines. Her “big break” came in 1963 At the age of 71, Ms. Steinem continues to remain active in when she went undercover as a Playboy Bunny to write an the political and women’s rights sector. She helped campaign exposé on the masochistic and ill treatment of women in Hugh actively for women’s rights during the last presidential election Heffner’s Playboy Club. It was not the break she had intended, and has voiced her concerns over the possible reversal of Roe v. however, for her editors only wanted her to write on fashion Wade. “If Roe vs. Wade is reversed and laws continue to relate and celebrities, not politics, her true interest. only to the fetus, women's bodies will effectively be nationalized for all of our childbearing years. We will not be citizens, but the Ms. Steinem’s interest in politics began early. In high means of production owned by the state.” school, she had volunteered for Adlai Stevenson’s campaign. In the 1960s and 1970s, she was involved in the civil rights Ms. Steinem says she is honored to serve on PMC’s Program movement and the campaign against the War. She Advisory Board. "Information must be available in everyday life worked on the campaigns of Robert Kennedy, Eugene McCarthy, if it is to inform anyone, much less be acted upon. I love the Shirley Chisholm, and George McGovern. But her political fact that PMC’s television and radio dramas are not about activism was always closely tied to women’s rights. escaping reality but improving reality. These soap operas are a clever and innovative way to elevate the status of women and In 1971, she helped found the National Women’s Political girls and to get men and boys to redefine their roles in the family Caucus, which continues to this day to encourage women to and in society.” run for political office. She then co-founded the Women's Action Alliance, an organization that mobilizes diverse, non-middle-class On April 11, 2005, Ms. Steinem chaired a donor’s forum women and men against social and economic discrimination. hosted by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. Ms. Steinem Throughout all this, she continued to write feminist pieces for moderated a discussion between Bill Ryerson, President of PMC, various magazines: the under-representation of women in nearly and Lester Brown, another member of PMC’s Program Advisory all sectors of public life, the daily discrimination that women Board and President of Earth Policy Institute. The three engaged faced, and various political issues that affected women. in a lively dialogue about the effects of population growth on the environment and the quality of life, the steps PMC and Earth Policy Institute are taking to address these global problems, and what donors can do to help them carry out their work. Program Advisory Board Member page 4 PopulationEnvironment Connection P opulation growth in is flew south the previous year. Yet, survival of the Monarchs and for many threatening to destroy the key generations of butterflies manage to find other reasons. overwintering site of Monarch butterflies. their way to the exact same summer and PMC hopes to contribute to the survival This is one of many examples of the winter sites, year after year. of Michoacan State’s unique environment destructive effects of human population and to raise the standard of living through growth on the environment. its radio magazine program, The royalty of the butterfly Dimensiones Sexuales, which is world, Monarchs have habits and being carried out in partnership with characteristics that have made Centro de Orientacion para them the center of study of curious Adolescentes (CORA). The youth- entomologists for many years. In targeted radio program, which will particular, the lengthy fall migration begin airing in September 2005, will – upwards of 3,000 miles – by the promote delayed pregnancy and butterflies from the U.S. and parenthood, safe sex, contraception, southern Canada to the highlands and avoidance of HIV/AIDS and will in the Neovolcanic range of address other sexual health topics Mexico west of Mexico City, that are salient to teenagers. The where they spend the winter, has high teenage birth rate of the region particularly fascinated those who is a major factor in the population study these brightly colored insects. Monarch butterfly. Photo by Linda Naeve. growth of the area. By educating today’s No other butterflies in the world youth about the impact of population on migrate like these butterflies. Yearly, In recent years, Monarch butterflies the environment and the benefits of delaying during September and October, more than have been dying in record numbers. Dr. and spacing childbearing, PMC hopes that a half a billion Monarchs make this arduous Lincoln P. Brower of Sweet Briar College, a sustainable environment can be achieved. journey from the and Canada the world’s authority on the Monarchs and The project in Mexico is supported by to twelve specific roosting sites. The their overwintering sites in Mexico, reports the Bergstrom Foundation, the Compton largest overwintering colonies occur in a there has been a 75% decline in the Foundation, the United Nations Population high altitude forest in the mountains of Monarch butterfly population just in the Fund, the Mexican government’s Michoacan State, Mexico. last year. Tree cutting to satisfy the Intersectoral Group, the Mexican Ministry Unlike birds or whales that also burgeoning human population demand for of Social Development, and two individual migrate over thousands of miles, Monarch lumber and firewood may be lethal for the contributors. butterflies that make the long trip to Mexico overwintering Monarch butterflies. have never before been there. In fact, the Stopping human population growth in the returning fall migrant butterflies are three region is an urgent necessity for the to five generations apart from the ones that Philippines Continued from page 1 global project, “Strengthened Partnerships part of the Manila Broadcasting Company among Local FM and Community Radio (MBC). Ms. Cudanin serves as station Networks and Reproductive Health Agencies manager for YES FM in Boracay, an affiliate on HIV/AIDS.” Since then, Ms. Cudanin and station of MBC, which is also broadcasting PMC program staff have been working to the program. initiate a project in the Philippines. The 120-episode serial drama is being broadcast nationwide five times a week via Radyo Natin and DZRH networks. Both are

A small boy picks through garbage at a dump outside Manila. Poverty is on the increase in the Philippines, partly because of rapid population increase. One of the many conse- quences of rapid growth in the population is a corresponding decline in the condition of the environment. There are few places where this impact is so clearly evident as in the Philippines, a country whose population growth is fueling the decline of their natural resources. Credit: Liz Gilbert/David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Photo courtesy of Photoshare. page 5 About Population Media Center Population Media Center is a non-profit, Suite 2011 non-governmental organization working worldwide with broadcast and print 145 Pine Haven Shores Rd. media to promote population stabiliza- Shelburne, VT 05482 tion by encouraging the use of family planning, safe sexual practices, and elevation of women’s status. Popula- tion Media Center is headquartered in Shelburne, Vermont, and maintains branch offices in , , India, , , Mali, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, and . BOARD OF DIRECTORS VIRGINIA CARTER, Redondo Beach, CA BRENDA FEIGEN, Los Angeles, CA BRAM KLEPPNER, Burlington, VT WILLIAM N. RYERSON, Shelburne, VT

STAFF AND ASSOCIATES WILLIAM N. RYERSON, Founder & President KRISS BARKER, Vice President for International Programs MELISSA BARRETT, Program Manager DOROTHY BOCIAN, Chief Financial Officer ERIN JONES, Office Manager CECILE GUIDOTE ALVAREZ, Philippines Senior Advisor TONY ASANGAENENG, Nigeria Country Representative MUSA MOHAMED SALIH BEIRAG, Sudan Country Representative JERVASE CHAKUMODZI, Malawi Country Representative Cartoon Corner ROCHA CHIMERAH, Rwanda Country Representative MAGGIE CUDANIN, Philippines Country Representative ROSE HAJI, Radio Trainer, Tanzania SHASHI KANT KAPOOR, India Country Representative TOM KAZUNGU, Director of Radio Production Training, Kenya DR. TANDIA FATOUMATA DEDE KEITA, Mali Country Representative DR. ANAMELI MONROY, Mexico Country Representative DR. NEGUSSIE TEFFERA, Ethiopia Country Representative DAVID POINDEXTER, Honorary Chair , Consultant DR. MACIO R. SCHIAVO, Brazil Country Representative EDITOR NaHyun Cho CONTACT INFORMATION Population Media Center Suite 2011 Jeff Parker drew the above cartoon, which tied for second place in Population 145 Pine Haven Shores Rd. Media Center’s first National Population Cartoon Contest. Mr. Parker also drew Shelburne, VT 05482-0547 U.S.A. Telephone: (802) 985-8156 the other second place cartoon, which can be seen on the contest website Email: [email protected] www.populationmedia.org/cartooncontest. Submissions are being accepted for Web: www.populationmedia.org the 2005 National Population Cartoon Contest. PMC page 6