Influencing Social Behavior Change through Community Drama to Fight Violence Against Women and Girls

INFLUENCING SOCIAL BEHAVIOR CHANGE THROUGH COMMUNITY DRAMA TO FIGHT GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive problem that affects communities all over the world. It can be physical, sexual, emotional, and economic in nature, and it is often perpetuated by individuals who hold power over their victims. Despite widespread efforts to combat GBV, it remains a serious issue that requires continued attention and action.

One approach that has been shown to be effective in combating GBV in Nigeria is community drama. Community drama involves the use of theater and other performing arts to address social issues and promote behavioral change. By using drama to tell stories that resonate with people's experiences, community drama can help to raise awareness about GBV and encourage individuals to take action to prevent it.

Community drama can take many forms, including street theater, puppet shows, and radio dramas. These performances can be staged in public spaces such as parks, markets, and community centers, making them accessible to a wide range of people. Community members can also participate in the productions, either as actors or as part of the production team, which can help to build a sense of ownership and empowerment within the community.

One of the key advantages of community drama is its ability to engage people emotionally. GBV is often a deeply personal and traumatic experience, and traditional approaches to education and awareness-raising may not be enough to motivate people to take action. Community drama can be a powerful tool for creating empathy and understanding among community members, and inspiring them to take action to prevent GBV.

In addition to raising awareness and promoting empathy, community drama can also help to challenge harmful social norms and attitudes that contribute to GBV. By portraying characters who challenge traditional gender roles, for example, or who stand up to perpetrators of violence, community drama can help to shift community attitudes towards greater gender equality and respect for women's rights.

Ultimately, community drama is not a panacea for ending GBV. It is just one tool among many that can be used to address the problem. However, by engaging community members in a creative and participatory process, community drama can help to build a sense of collective responsibility for preventing GBV, and promote the behavioral change needed to make a lasting impact.

In conclusion, GBV is a serious problem that requires action at all levels of society. Community drama is a powerful tool for raising awareness, promoting empathy, and challenging harmful social norms and attitudes that contribute to GBV. By harnessing the power of theater and other performing arts, communities can work together to create a more just and equitable world, where GBV is no longer tolerated.