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Social mobilization for prevention of violence against women and HIV in South Africa: Cultural processes for social change Warren Parker, PhD (PCI, South Africa). Program concept.
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Social mobilization for prevention of violence against women and HIV in South Africa: Cultural processes for social changeWarren Parker, PhD (PCI, South Africa)
Program concept • A four year program focused on preventing violence against women (VAW) implemented by PCI(SA), KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape Networks on VAW • Initial concept was to focus on addressing social ‘norms’ assumed to beperpetuating VAW, primarily through mass media and other communication • A baseline survey revealedthat the vast majority of respondents did not support statements justifying VAW and this led to the program approach being re-assessed.
Key steps • Survey data, along with other qualitative data, informed re-orientation of the program towards addressing the pattern of ‘inaction’ that prevailed when VAW was known to have occurred • While pathways of support for women who have experienced VAW were well established – ie. legislation, clinical and other services – there was little clarity on how VAW could be prevented • To explore prevention concepts, including how to communicate about prevention a series of Action Media workshops were conducted • The workshops led to the developmentof a symbol and slogan and core ideas for action around which to center the concept community-level response to address VAW
Emerging program design • PCI (SA) led the development of communication tools and resources including stickers, badges/buttons, leaflets, T-shirts and other items • Together with the networks in two provinces, and formal partnerships witha small group of organizations includinggovernment entities (eg. Department of Justice), non-governmental organizations involved in VAW (eg. Rape Crisis), and civil society organizations (eg. Church groups), training on VAW and prevention was provided to a core of ‘volunteers’ called Community Engagers (CEs) • CEs in turn, identified and trained Community Influencers (CIs)who lived in the respective communities. • Activities of CIs included establishing, convening and training Prevention in Action Groups (PAGs)
Identifying ‘actions’ • While training provided a framework for understanding action to prevent VAW, and provided some examples, the cadre of volunteers was encouraged to develop their own contextually relevant strategies • A series of Action Workshops explored and documented these emerging ‘organic’ strategies • A cellphone-based SMS system was used to encourage reporting of actions, with these being documented into a SalesForce monitoring system via call-backs
‘Amplification’ • As prevention activities unfolded, community mobilization activities became firmly grounded under the banner of ‘Prevention in Action’ including the logo and wide-ranging support materials • Actions were ‘amplified’ through ongoing documentation on video, in graphic formats, via events, via facebook and SMS, and through news media • There was a growing sense that action to prevent VAW was possible and that it produced tangible change
THEORETICAL MODEL FOR COMMUNITY MOBILISATION AND SOCIAL CHANGE TO PREVENT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN • CONCEPTUAL RESONANCE • VAW is an important social issue – silence and lack of action in response is not acceptable • The PIA logo and slogan raise importance of collective action to address VAW • INTERNALISED MEANING • I can CAN speak out about my own experiences of VAW • I CAN show my support for PIA • I CAN join the PIA movement to address VAW • ACTIONS & COMMITMENTS • Ending silence about VAW. Speaking out. • Joining the PIA movement as a CE/CI/PAG member. Using PIA materials. Promoting PIA. • Individual and collective actions and problem solving to address VAW in personal and family relationships, among friends, neighbors, and community members • SITUATIONAL RESONANCE • I have experienced VAW directly or indirectly • I have been a silent observer of VAW • I have perpetrated VAW • Sharing experiences of VAW brings about healing • SOCIAL RESONANCE • Belonging to PIA movement promotes healing • Belonging to PIA provides sense of purpose/achievement • There is power in working together to address social problems • NEW LANGUAGE/SOCIAL MEANING • Logo/slogan means that people from all walks of life, all communities are affected by VAW • PIA members represent action to address VAW • VAW prevention is tangible and can be prevented through individual and collective action