PHNOM-PENH,
Cambodia – “My engine is still working!” a young man in a clinic yelled
gleefully, having just testing negative for sexually transmitted infections
(STIs). Patients in the waiting room turned to gawk at him.
It was a
scene from Love9, a Cambodian television and radio show that just wrapped up an
extraordinarily successful three-year run, having reached more than half of the
country’s young people.
The
programme was designed not only to entertain, but also to educate viewers about
sexual and reproductive health – a topic traditionally considered taboo – as
well as gender equality and healthy relationships.
Part
comedy, part drama and part celebrity talk show, Love9 appealed to young people
all over the country. Love9 even showcased how families and friends could
jumpstart conversations about these sensitive issues.
“I
believe that the programme encourages and empowers many young people to discuss
hidden issues – such as sexual and reproductive health, loving relationships,
family planning, contraception and gender equality – among their family and
community more openly and in a fun way,” said Sok SamphasPhallika, a Love9
producer and radio manager.
Vulnerable to disease, unintended pregnancy and
violence
Cambodia
is undergoing rapid changes, including swift economic development and evolving
social mores. But young people have little exposure to information about sexual
and reproductive health, gender equality and human rights, leaving them
vulnerable to disease, unintended pregnancies and violence.
A 2014
survey shows that only 39 percent of young women and 48 percent of young men
have comprehensive knowledge about HIV and how to prevent its transmission.
Only two thirds of sexually active young men reported using a condom during
their last intimate encounter. And attitudes about relationships can be just as
deadly: Around 45 per cent of young women and about a quarter of young men
report believing that domestic abuse could be justified.
Love9 was
devised to address these challenges. The programme – a partnership between
UNFPA, BBC Media Action Cambodia and the US Agency for International
Development – was available on television, radio and online platforms,
including social media, to reach as many people as possible.
A call-in
radio show and online forums also enabled audience members to ask questions and
receive accurate information.
Smash hit
It was a
tremendous success.
In a
single year, Love9 reached an estimated 53 per cent of the country’s youth,
about 1.7 million people.
“Love9
has changed my way of thinking,” said 25-year-old Nin ChhimNin, a loyal fan of
the show. “I am more confident to discuss with my fiancé the number of children
I want and when we should have them,” she said.
Asean
Plus, an active participant on the Love9 Facebook page, said he was happy to
see parents motivated to talk to their children about family planning. These
conversations can help girls avoid early pregnancy, he said.
“When
girls start childbearing at a young age, their opportunities to grow will be
frozen, contributing to low self-esteem and lack of social skills and
development prospects,” he added.
A survey
taken at the end of the show revealed that 77 per cent of Love9 viewers and
listeners considered the programme educational, and 49 per cent learned
something new from watching it. A whopping 92 per cent reported that watching
or listening to Love9 made a difference in their understanding that condoms can
prevent STIs, including HIV.
More work
to do
There is
a lot more work to do. General knowledge about STI symptoms remains low, and
discussion of sex and contraceptives remains stigmatized.
But programmes
like Love9 are starting to give young people the tools to address these issues
head-on.
“Why did
they put those obscene pictures in such a public place?” a father asked his
family, referring to a poster about reproductive health, in a scene from Love9.
“It makes young people want to…” He grew quiet, too embarrassed to finish his
sentence.
“It
doesn’t, Dad,” his daughter responded confidently. “It helps young people
protect themselves.”
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