Using Participatory Media to Explore Gender Relations and HIV/AIDS Amongst South African Youth: The example of DramAidE

This paper outlines the history of DramAidE, and explores the approaches this project has used in an attempt to reduce risk of HIV infection amongst young people, and to sensitise them to issues of gender, culture and tradition. Established in 1992, the project uses drama methodologies to critically engage young people to communicate effectively about issues relating to sex, sexuality and HIV/AIDS. The goal is to create a network of peer educators that practice safer sex and other positive behaviours, and initiate a social movement that promotes healthy lifestyles. These peer educators are organised into clubs. These clubs provide a platform for them to undertake health promoting communication campaigns through generating ‘action media’ (plays, posters, songs and dances that have been created by young people through a participatory process) and undertaking health promoting projects more broadly in their communities. The paper focuses on two specific materials development projects: Woza Nazo and Mobilising Young Men to Care. These projects are run in disadvantaged secondary and tertiary institutions. The projects focus on using peer education and new materials that are developed in a participatory manner with the target group. This paper details some of the successes of these two projects. In one example, responses from teachers to the Mobilising Young Men to Care materials were positive. A video – developed as part of the initiative – was found to be an effective discussion starter for gender issues, as well as a strategy for deepening the level of discussion about HIV/AIDS. The paper suggests also strategies to overcome challenges of the projects.

Publisher: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Year of Publication: 2004