As we close out the celebration of our 25th anniversary, I am filled with immense gratitude and pride for all that we have achieved together. Over the past quarter-century, Population Media Center (PMC) has made significant strides in addressing critical global issues through our innovative social behavior change communication programs.
This milestone year has been particularly special. We launched impactful new projects in several countries, expanding our reach and amplifying our mission to promote healthier, more sustainable communities. From introducing groundbreaking programs in new regions to strengthening our existing initiatives, our work has continued to make a tangible difference in the lives of millions.
A radio serial drama implemented in Liberia to address gender equality, peace building and women’s rights in Liberia with implementing partner Talking Drums Studio Liberia.
BREAKAWAY , an innovative video game and mobile app launched in 2010, used football (U.S. soccer) as a backdrop to address violence against women, bullying, and gender equality. Players navigated the game as custom avatars, with off-field choices influencing their on-field performance. Paired with a supplemental curriculum and in-person camps, it has successfully reached youth around the world, sparking important conversations through interactive play.
Toma Mi Mano (“Take My Hand”), a 156-episode radio show that began in 2018 in Guatemala, made a triumphant return in 2024 with a new season. The series continues to deliver heartwarming narratives and diverse perspectives, maintaining its commitment to changing lives through storytelling. Toma Mi Mano reaches audiences not only in Guatemala City and surrounding areas but also across the United States.
Jangala (“Song of Life”), a 104-episode radio drama produced by Population Media Center, aired from October 2016 through October 2017 in southern Nigeria in Pidgin English. Broadcast twice weekly on 26 radio stations across 16 states, Jangala reached a broad audience in the region. At the same time, PMC aired A Dade Ana Yi, a Hausa-language drama serving listeners in northern Nigeria. As with all PMC productions, Jangala was created using PMC’s proven radio methodology to inform, engage, and inspire positive social change.
Kwishilya (“Over the Horizon”) reached an estimated 659,440 weekly listeners during its first season, empowering especially women and girls to improve their lives and communities. The show enabled more women to plan their families and encouraged more girls to attend school, laying the groundwork for planet-positive behavior change. Produced at scale and by popular demand, Kwishilya gave more people more power to create lasting social impact.
Siñalamba (“Breaking the Barrier”), produced by PMC in Zambia, is a 156-episode radio show that aired from January 2019 to July 2020 in Lozi, one of Zambia’s official languages. Siñalamba released two episodes each week, with additional reruns, and aired on various community stations across Western Province, where Lozi is the most widely spoken and understood language. The show addressed critical social issues including child marriage, family planning, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, and gender-based violence.
Our success would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible team, the unwavering support of our partners, and the generous contributions from our donors. I extend my heartfelt thanks to you. Your belief in our mission and your tireless efforts have been the cornerstone of our achievements.
Throughout the year, we have hosted numerous events that have brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and advocates to discuss and collaborate on solutions to pressing global challenges. These gatherings have not only fostered meaningful dialogue but have also paved the way for new partnerships and collaborations that will drive our work forward.
We have also been honored with several prestigious awards, recognizing the impact and effectiveness of our programs. These accolades are a testament to the innovative approaches and unwavering commitment of our team.
Looking ahead, I am excited to announce the launch of our InnovaLab project. This initiative will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research and development, allowing us to pioneer new methods and strategies to further our mission. InnovaLab represents our commitment to continuous improvement and our dedication to finding the most effective ways to create positive social change.
As we reflect on the past 25 years, we remain focused on the future. Our vision is clear: to continue expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and working tirelessly towards a more equitable and sustainable world. We invite you to join us on this journey, whether through continued support, active participation in our programs, or by spreading the word about our work.
Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, we have accomplished so much, and together, we will achieve even more in the years to come.
With deep appreciation,
Bill Ryerson Founder and President, Population Media Center
Reflecting on the past year fills us with awe and gratitude, as it has been a year of extraordinary impact. Dive into our Annual Report to discover the inspiring stories of transformation and the incredible ways we made a difference in 2022. Together, we’re shaping a brighter future.
