Developing Democratic Culture in Rural Communities Using Radio inCameroon (2013-2015)

Partner: United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) 

Objective: 

• To transform community radio broadcasting into an effective instrument for the popularization of democratic values and practices in rural communities of Cameroon.

Achievements:

• Capacity Building:

Trained 231 community radio journalists from 70 stations in producing democracy-focused programs.

Trained 70 station managers in program development and policy.

• Networking:

Established 10 democracy debate clubs in secondary schools.

Founded the National Association of Democracy-Promoting Journalists.

• Knowledge Generation, (in English and French): 

“A Guide to Community Radio Programming and Management” 

“Students' Guide on How to Conduct a Debate”,  

“Handbook on Promoting Democracy Using Radio” (English and French).

“The Candidate”, a radio play addressing cultural barriers to women's political participation, was broadcast on 70 radio stations

Impact Spotlight: 

• Empowering Women in Politics

A radio play, “The Candidate,”:   depicting a young woman overcoming cultural obstacles to win a mayoral election, aired on 70 stations before the 2014 local elections, leading to a significant positive impact on women's political engagement 

Batouri (East Region): Over 100 women marched to their local radio station in support of the play's message.

Abong Mbang, (East Region): Inspired by the paly, Mrs. Aye Mondo Helen, a woman from the indigenous Pygmy ethnic minority, ran for the position mayor—a first for her community.  She did not win the mayoral race, but, secured a council seat, another first for a Pygmy woman in Cameroon.

Mokolo, (Far North Region): Women's pressure spurred by the play, resulted in a woman being appointed Deputy Mayor—an unprecedented event for the region.