Dandalin Iyali (“Family Forum”): Empowering Families, Inspiring Futures

In Niger, three out of four girls are married before the age of 18, and more than 2.6 million children are kept from classrooms. Against this backdrop, Dandalin Iyali (“Family Forum”) took to the airwaves with a bold mission: to spark conversations that families rarely have and to challenge norms that keep young people from reaching their potential. Over 72 episodes, broadcast on 70 community radio stations, the series invited parents, youth, and communities to imagine a different future — and many did.

Complemented by interactive talk shows, local listening clubs, and digital campaigns that reached more than 300,000 people online, the project became a platform for dialogue, reflection, and change across Niger’s Maradi, Zinder, and Tahoua regions. “What makes Dandalin Iyali unique is how it reflects Nigerien culture authentically — our language, our traditions, our daily lives — while daring to question harmful norms,” said Moussa Abdou Saley, Country Director for PMC-Niger. “It has opened conversations that were once unthinkable.”

Education: From Skepticism to Support

Ibrahim, a farmer and father of three in Maradi, had long believed formal schooling was a distraction from the real duties of boys: Quranic education and farm work. But as the storylines unfolded on his radio, Ibrahim found himself drawn to a character — a father like him — who wrestled with the same doubts and ultimately chose to support his son’s dream of becoming a doctor. Ibrahim saw his own life in that narrative.

“I was skeptical at first, but after listening to the series with my son, I changed my perception of schooling in society,” Ibrahim said. “For me, a boy was only good for Quranic school and farm work. I decided to support my son’s ambition to become a doctor.”

His story reflects a wider shift. According to the endline evaluation, 82.5 percent of listeners described education as “very important,” compared to 76.3 percent of non-listeners. More than half of listeners reported taking concrete action to keep their children in school — helping with homework, meeting with teachers, or encouraging neighbors to prioritize education.

Menstrual Health: Breaking the Silence

In Niger, menstruation has long been a source of shame and silence. For many adolescent girls, their first period meant missing school — or even being considered ready for marriage.

Dandalin Iyali tackled this directly. Through characters who struggled with stigma and others who advocated for dignity, the drama gave listeners language to talk about something long hidden. The results: 82.4 percent of listeners could name good menstrual hygiene practices, compared to 72.8 percent of non-listeners. Nearly two-thirds of listeners rejected the idea that menstruation should keep girls at home. And the belief that a girl’s first menstruation signals readiness for marriage dropped significantly among listeners.

Child Marriage: Rethinking Tradition

The evaluation found that 67.8 percent of listeners rejected the idea that marriage “protects” girls, compared to 56.4 percent of non-listeners. Additionally, 87.8 percent of listeners identified pregnancy complications as a direct consequence of early marriage.

For some, these lessons reopened old wounds. Nassara, a shopkeeper in Dogarawa, shared his own painful reflection: “I took my daughter out of school to marry her off early, and today I deeply regret it. The marriage failed, and my daughter learned nothing. Today, I’m campaigning for other women not to make the same mistake.”

Others voiced hope. Badamassi, a listeners’ club member, said: “I hope to see more young girls go to school before getting married. Education should be an opportunity, not an obstacle, for girls.”

Gender-Based Violence: Breaking Silent Norms

Gender-based violence remains one of Niger’s most taboo topics. In Dandalin Iyali, characters spoke what had long been unspoken, modeling recognition, resistance, and reporting. The evaluation revealed that 41 percent of listeners rejected all justifications for spousal violence, compared to 31 percent of non-listeners. And 64.2 percent of listeners said they would report GBV cases to authorities, compared to 50 percent of non-listeners — a shift from silence to action.

Nutrition: Equity at the Family Table

By weaving nutrition into its storylines, Dandalin Iyali helped families see food as an investment in their children’s futures. Among listeners, 84.2 percent reported adopting a balanced diet including iron and folic acid, compared to 72 percent of non-listeners. Families also reported more equitable distribution of food between boys and girls.

A Voice for Young People

Perhaps most profoundly, Dandalin Iyali gave Niger’s youth a voice. Nassirou, an online listener, said: “It’s the first time I’ve seen a show that really speaks for young people, that gives young people a voice. I wish this kind of initiative would allow young people and parents to discuss things more openly.”

“Launching this program in the middle of a coup was no small feat,” said Jean Luc Dushime, Program Manager for PMC-Niger. “The resilience of our Niger team ensured that sensitive issues — like child marriage and gender equality — could be aired without disruption. That perseverance is something to be proud of.”

Beyond the Airwaves

The power of Dandalin Iyali extended far beyond its 72 episodes. Online campaigns reached more than 340,000 people, while listening clubs and talk shows created safe spaces for discussion. Communities are now asking for more — including participatory theater that would bring people together in person and include children with disabilities, ensuring no voice is left out.

Families are rethinking long-held assumptions. Children are returning to classrooms. Communities are standing up against child marriage and gender-based violence. In Niger, thanks to Dandalin Iyali, those shifts are no longer just a hope — they are becoming measurable reality.