“We are different, we are equal”

1. “We are different, we are equal” Communication for social change to promote women’s and young people’s rights in Nicaragua Reflections from the field… IGWG Technical Update November, 2005

2. Goals: Challenge sexist gender norms Raise risk awareness, reduce stigma Promote self-efficacy/ collective efficacy Strengthen social support networks The magic is in the mix A graphic summary of how the“We’re Different We’re Equal”strategy works 20 billboards placed in the main cities/towns around the country. In Puerto Cabezas in Miskito; in Bluefields in English Planflets: 150,000 copies) and other materials distributed at national level Youth camps, young women’s camps + methodological workshops on “machismo as a risk factor” for HIV and sexual abuse, to later carry out local activities with young people. Methodological Pack: DVD with special thematic editions of Sexto Sentido on HIV/AIDS, sexual abuse, machismo + a methodological guide to use in workshops and discussion groups. Technical and thematic training with young communicators to help strengthen their own radio and TV productions. Radio jingles Played on 30 local stations. Stories of Sexto Sentido covering various themes: HIV, sexual abuse, drugs, alcoholism, sexual harassment, racism, power relations in a couple, etc... based on consultations with organi-zations and individuals who work on these themes. On national TV. After each episode we provide information about services that young people can turn to for support. Local cable channels (13 in total) that re-broadcast series. “Sexto Sentido”. Local radio stations that are part of SextoSentido Radio’s own homegrown broadcast network in 9 regions of the country. And co-productions with local youth. Materials developed as part of the Entreamigas (Among Girlfriends) project on the experiences of preadolescent girls and mother-daughter relationships. Visits of TV cast and radio team to different parts of the country for dialogues, public activities, and material distribution, in coordination with local organizations and media. Joint actions, to build alliances based on mutual respect, and collaborate with other like-minded organizations The service providers in each region with which Puntos collaborates. They provide advice and support to young peopleon sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS and sexual violence (more than 80 centers in the country). Services advertised on billboards”, local cable TV and min-posters distributed during visits. A directory waspublished in the booklet “Necesitamos poder hablar” (“We need to be able to talk). Monitoring and Evaluation  Quantitative (baseline + 2 rounds)  Qualitative – focal groups  Interviews with viewers and listeners  Monitoring calls to Sexto Sentido Radio  Monitoring and follow-up of service providers 40,000 copies of the supplement distributed with La Boletina + 90,000 leaflets distributed during tours and other SDSI and Entreamiga activities, and used in workshops with mothers. 200 educational packs with DVD and guides.

3. Impact EvaluationPATH - Horizons Project/Population Council - CIDS/UNAN Leon - Local consultants - Puntos de Encuentro Qualitative: • Focus groups and individual and collective interviews, • literature review, • Context analysis. Monitoring: • Focus groups and interviews • Services providers monitoring • Rating analysis

4. Impact EvaluationPATH - Horizons Project/Population Council - CIDS/UNAN Leon - Local consultants - Puntos de Encuentro Quantitative: (n=4800) • Base-line: Sept-Nov 2003 • Midterm: Oct-Nov 2004 • Post-intervention: Oct-Nov 2005 • Longitudinal Panel: 3 locations (Esteli, Leon, Juigalpa)

5. Preliminary results Exposure to SDSI components Exposure: • 9 of each 10 have seen or heard SDSI • 80% of women - 70% of men • 19% watched SS “almost always”. • 48% watched SS occasionally • 33% “didn’t watch” or “almost never watched” SS.

6. Preliminary results - Some trends • Differences by location • Differences by sex • Differences by age • Exposition and gender norms • Social capital and interpersonal communication

7. Some concluding reflections • Human rights’ approach • Complexity of social change, complexity of interventions • Indicators and processes of change - when contradictory results happen