BBC Media Action

Published purpose

This project aims to contribute to the empowerment of women and girls in South Sudan by enabling them to make their own decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health and rights in a more peaceful environment. Increasing knowledge, shaping positive attitudes and practices, and challenging norms help support women’s and girls’ agency and decision-making power. Project activities include: (1) producing a radio programme to provide fact-based education on sexuality and family planning; (2) including storylines about sexual and reproductive health and rights and how these relate to violence and conflict in one of BBC Media Action’s popular radio dramas; (3) training and supporting local media organizations on to how to report and produce coverage that reflects the world as seen through the eyes of women as well as men, with the goal of improving women’s standing in their communities; and (4) training and supporting community groups to discuss topics presented in radio programs, such as domestic violence and contraception, and identify how lessons learned apply to their local community. Together these activities help increase community members’ knowledge and understanding of sexual and reproductive health and rights—including the negative impacts of gender-based violence and violence against women and girls—while contributing to increased support for women and girls to control their own reproductive decision-making and to access appropriate health and support services.