In the heart of Zambia, a revolution was brewing, not on the streets, but across the airwaves. From May 2021 to September 2022, two riveting radio shows – Kwishilya (“Over the Horizon”) in the Bemba language and Siñalamba (“Breaking the Barrier”) in the Lozi language – struck a chord with millions. This groundbreaking venture was the brainchild of Population Media Center – Zambia (PMC-Zambia), crafted hand-in-hand with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ministry of Health. The full report about Kwishilya and Siñalamba’s impact can be accessed here.
Imagine the people of Central, Luapula, Muchinga, Northern, and Western Provinces eagerly tuning into 156 compelling 15-minute episodes, week after week. With each show, they navigated an intricately woven tapestry of storylines, shedding light on the pressing issues of our time – from the urgency of family planning to the relentless fight against gender-based violence, and from preventing teen sexually transmitted diseases like HIV to the battles against early marriages, poor maternal and child health, and malnutrition.
Every week, more than half a million listeners, men and women from teenagers to older adults, tuned in. Their lives subtly or remarkably transformed by the potent narratives of Kwishilya and Siñalamba. This extensive outreach, sustained with constant contact for well over a year, was achieved at a remarkably efficient average cost per listener of $1.11 for Kwishilya and $4.70 for Siñalamba.
Charles Kalonga, the inspiring Country Director of PMC-Zambia, attributes much of the success of the shows to the strength of PMC’s storylines. “Listeners see themselves in the story, and a bond between the characters and the listeners is formed,” Kalonga says.
His words encapsulate the profound impact of these shows, far transcending the realm of mere entertainment, to serve as a beacon of societal change. As you navigate this report, you’ll witness the power of storytelling, the resonance of Kwishilya and Siñalamba, and their pivotal role in transforming health, education, and social norms in Zambia.
Spotlighting the Urgent Local Needs for Transformation
In Zambia, several local needs rose to the top with research and analysis. One key area is family planning. Kwishilya listeners demonstrated a higher likelihood to believe in their ability to determine their family size and were almost 20% more likely to use modern contraceptive methods to delay or avoid pregnancy. Similarly, Siñalamba listeners were over 90% more likely to believe their spouse/partner supports the use of family planning.
Another crucial area is civic engagement. Kwishilya listeners were over 35% more likely to believe in their capacity to become civically engaged, such as being able to register to vote or supporting women’s participation in politics/government. This demonstrates a growing awareness and interest in active citizenship.
In terms of health, Kwishilya listeners were 1.4 times more likely to know where to get tested for Covid-19, indicating their improved access to testing and information. Siñalamba listeners, on the other hand, displayed greater awareness about HIV-related risks, including multiple partners, and were more likely to engage in discussions about HIV risks with others.
Addressing gender-based violence is also a pressing need in Zambia. Sinalamba listeners were 37% more likely to believe that community members can intervene and try to stop cases of gender-based violence, indicating an encouraging shift in social norms and attitudes towards combating violence against women.
Overall, the identified local needs in Zambia encompass family planning, civic engagement, health awareness (particularly related to HIV and Covid-19), and efforts to combat gender-based violence. Recognizing and addressing these needs contributes to the well-being and empowerment of individuals and communities across the country.
The projected audience for Kwishilya and Siñalamba is estimated to be over 1M people who listeened to it at once weekly.
Siñalamba listeners were 1.5 times more likely than non-listeners to discuss HIV-risk with others, such as their partner, spouse, friend or relatives.
Kwishilya listeners were over 65% more likely than non-listeners and Siñalamba listeners were over 90% more likely to believe their spouse/partner supports the use of family planning to delay or avoid pregnancy.
Exploring the Dynamic Influence of PMC’s Radio Shows on the Local Community
PMC’s radio shows, Kwishilya and Siñalamba, have ignited a wave of change within the local community and in the lives of listeners. These captivating dramas weave together powerful storylines that tackle pressing social issues, providing a platform for transformation and growth.
Imagine the remarkable journey of a woman in Lukulu, burdened by the notion that her daughters were “capital” for marriage. But through the persistent melodies of Siñalamba, she underwent a remarkable transformation. Listening to the show each week, she learned the immeasurable value of educating a girl and the detrimental consequences of early marriage. Her intentions shifted, embracing a new path that prioritized empowerment over societal norms.
In the heart of Mitete, a member of a radio listener group witnessed a community-wide transformation unfold. People, once reliant on traditional healers, embarked on a new trajectory. They found solace in the radio shows, realizing the significance of seeking healthcare services from dedicated facilities for antenatal and delivery care. The stories dismantled age-old barriers, inspiring individuals to prioritize their well-being and that of their loved ones.
The power of these shows extends beyond personal change, spurring a wave of support and advocacy. A devoted listener of Kwishilya recounted an inspiring tale of friendship and resilience. When her friend received a positive HIV diagnosis, she didn’t hesitate to offer a lifeline, drawing strength from Musonda’s unwavering determination in the Kwishilya. By sharing Musonda’s storyline, she empowered her friend to embark on a journey of treatment and perseverance, ensuring a brighter future despite the challenges ahead.
The USAID report highlights the staggering listenership numbers and the diverse demographic makeup of the audience. From rural villages to bustling urban centers, these stories have found resonance across different age groups and languages. The engagement is evident, with listeners drawn into a world where their experiences and struggles are mirrored, giving rise to a collective journey towards a better tomorrow.
Kwishilya and Siñalamba communities emerge as beacons of progress, making a significant difference in crucial areas such as child marriage, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, and informed parenting decisions.
Over 800,000 listeners tuned into Kwishilya at least once per week.
Listeners of Siñalamba were over 30% more likely than non-listeners to report that having multiple partners is a risk behavior related to acquiring HIV.
Over 100,000 listeners tuned into Siñalamba at least once per week.
Exploring the Importance Behind It All
In a powerful evaluation of the radio shows, Kwishilya and Sinalamba, the impact on Zambian communities was unveiled. Over one million listeners were captivated at least once weekly by these shows, with resounding feedback about their entertainment value, realism, and impact.
The findings were remarkable. Listeners reported transformative changes in their lives. The significant changes observed in family planning, gender-based violence, and HIV-related knowledge highlight the success of the programs in influencing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.
The impact extended beyond personal transformations. Communities experienced shifts in behavior, like increased use of clinics for healthcare. These stories proved to be catalysts for positive change, empowering individuals to make changes for themselves and advise friends and relatives towards healthier choices.
The staggering numbers — over one million listeners who tuned in at least once weekly— underscored the magnitude of impact on Zambian communities. The overall success of these radio shows is to be celebrated. They broke barriers, shattered stereotypes, and empowered individuals to embrace positive change. The stories brought life-altering transformations to countless Zambians.
