I really like your idea to connect communities globally with the use of digital media and storytelling, which can be such a powerful and dynamic learning tool. I am curious to hear more of your thoughts on a few things. First, what communities would you begin working in first, and how would you create demand for joining the community steering community and participating? Second, what communities would you target (E.g. size, urban vs. rural, regional/ country focus, demographics)? Third, how would you overcome global language barriers to sharing stories among communities? Fourth, have you considered engaging fathers in storytelling about their experiences supporting their partners through pregnancy and childbirth? This might be a powerful tool to also engage men as partners and spread positive messages about fathers' involvement in healthy pregnancies.
I really like your idea and would be interested in hearing more about it.
Thanks for your comment, Jessica. All great points.
I'll try to address your questions, but feel free to respond--it's great to have a conversation about these ideas.
1) I really want to underscore the importance and strength of organizations on the ground. When you talk about shifting gender norms or other societal norms, change happens slowly, so the work must continue beyond a short period. Because of funding restraints, it's often these local NGOs that can carry it on after interest or funding has died on the part of INGOs. Creating demand for such programs can be tough, but I think engaging leaders who are already working on these issues would be the first level of demand creation. The first step is reaching out to their networks and then building from there.
2)As far as a target community--I think that's one thing I really like about this framework; it can be adapted for any target community, from a small town in Cameroon to Chicago. There are obviously different barriers and strengths in each community, so the approach should be adapted to the context, but the backbone to tell and share stories and human experience remains the same.
3)Language barriers are definitely a challenge, especially in sharing these stories globally. Translation would likely be needed for the narration, but I would also stress that even a quiver in the voice, images or music alone have the power to stir.
4)Engaging fathers is a great idea, and certainly one that I have considered. As I said in my proposal, technology and media can be powerful hooks for those who might not otherwise participate. I often think that the role of men during pregnancy and childbirth often is underplayed, but these fathers and their stories can be powerful agents of change, especially in places where access to care for women is decided by their male counterparts. There is a lot of work to be built on in this area; organizations like the White Ribbon Campaign and EngenderHealth have done extensive work with men as partners, especially in addressing HIV/AIDS and sexual violence.
Comments
Erika,
I really like your idea to connect communities globally with the use of digital media and storytelling, which can be such a powerful and dynamic learning tool. I am curious to hear more of your thoughts on a few things. First, what communities would you begin working in first, and how would you create demand for joining the community steering community and participating? Second, what communities would you target (E.g. size, urban vs. rural, regional/ country focus, demographics)? Third, how would you overcome global language barriers to sharing stories among communities? Fourth, have you considered engaging fathers in storytelling about their experiences supporting their partners through pregnancy and childbirth? This might be a powerful tool to also engage men as partners and spread positive messages about fathers' involvement in healthy pregnancies.
I really like your idea and would be interested in hearing more about it.
Thanks for your comment, Jessica. All great points.
I'll try to address your questions, but feel free to respond--it's great to have a conversation about these ideas.
1) I really want to underscore the importance and strength of organizations on the ground. When you talk about shifting gender norms or other societal norms, change happens slowly, so the work must continue beyond a short period. Because of funding restraints, it's often these local NGOs that can carry it on after interest or funding has died on the part of INGOs. Creating demand for such programs can be tough, but I think engaging leaders who are already working on these issues would be the first level of demand creation. The first step is reaching out to their networks and then building from there.
2)As far as a target community--I think that's one thing I really like about this framework; it can be adapted for any target community, from a small town in Cameroon to Chicago. There are obviously different barriers and strengths in each community, so the approach should be adapted to the context, but the backbone to tell and share stories and human experience remains the same.
3)Language barriers are definitely a challenge, especially in sharing these stories globally. Translation would likely be needed for the narration, but I would also stress that even a quiver in the voice, images or music alone have the power to stir.
4)Engaging fathers is a great idea, and certainly one that I have considered. As I said in my proposal, technology and media can be powerful hooks for those who might not otherwise participate. I often think that the role of men during pregnancy and childbirth often is underplayed, but these fathers and their stories can be powerful agents of change, especially in places where access to care for women is decided by their male counterparts. There is a lot of work to be built on in this area; organizations like the White Ribbon Campaign and EngenderHealth have done extensive work with men as partners, especially in addressing HIV/AIDS and sexual violence.
Post new comment