Thank you for joining us for today's Spotlight program. I'm Rebekah Schipper. And I'm Sara DeKoster. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand no matter where in the world they live.
Today's Spotlight is on special pictures that have an important message. These pictures are called cartoons.
Physical Violence. Emotional Violence. Sexual Violence. Lower wages. Lack of education. Unfair treatment. Fear. Many women around the world suffer from these things every day. They should not have to. But many women do not know enough about their human rights. They do not know what rights they have as women. Many women are afraid to come forward. They are afraid to speak out against harm done against them. Many women do not know what to do when they are in difficult situations. They do not know whom to turn to for help.
There is another problem facing many of the world's women. That problem is that they do not know how to read. Over fifty percent of women in the world are illiterate, or cannot read. This makes it even more difficult for women to learn about their rights.
That is why some women in the country of Tanazania, Africa have come up with a new idea. This idea will help all women learn about their human rights, even if they cannot read.
Women in Tanzania have started using a very popular art form to teach people about women's rights. They make pictures that tell stories. These pictures are called cartoons.
Cartoons exist all over the world. Many newspapers publish them every day. Often cartoons use humour. Many people love to look at cartoon because cartoons make them laugh.
Mr. James Gayo draws cartoons. He believes that cartoons are a good way to send messages. He supports the idea of using cartoons to teach people about women's rights. He says People like humour. That is why people like cartoons. And that is the best way to send messages. It takes somebody half an hour to read a full-page news story. But with cartoons, you only have to look at it quickly and you can understand the message.
Mr. Gayo also thinks that there is a reason why cartoons are popular in Tanzania. That is because the people that cannot read can still learn from cartoons. Mr. Gayo says Even those people who cannot read a written story can get the message through cartoons. But even if the cartoons are humorous, they can have a very serious message. The cartoons in Tanzania are about women's issues. Their messages are about human rights. The cartoons show the problems that many women face every day, from sexual violence to health concerns. The cartoons help to show women what to do in all different situations. They show women where to go for help. And because cartoons are pictures, everyone can learn from them. People that cannot read can still understand the message.
Here is one example of a cartoon made by a woman in Tanzania. In pictures, the cartoon shows a male doctor. The doctor is talking to a female patient. The pictures show that the doctor will only help the woman if she has sex with him. The cartoon shows the woman looking very sad. She does not know what to do. She has a questioning look on her face. The cartoon then shows the woman meeting with a counselor. The counselor helps the woman to call the police. The end of the cartoon shows the doctor being arrested.
The artist of this cartoon works for the Tanzanian Daily News. She wants to help women to understand their rights. She said this about her cartoon, I was trying to show that some people use their power to do wrong. Some doctors or government officials use their positions to get what they want. They fulfill their own desires. The woman in my cartoon decides to get help. She meets with counselors. At the end the doctor is arrested.
Using cartoons is important for teaching people about women's rights in Tanzania. Many people cannot read there. But they can still learn by looking at pictures. One women's group uses cartoons all of the time. This group is called Tanzania's Women Advancement Trust. This group believes that cartoons can be used to teach all people. Cartoons can teach children and adults. Cartoons can teach men and women. And, cartoons can teach people with or without an education.
But, Tanzania's Women Advancement Trust had one problem with cartoons. It can cost a lot of money to use cartoons. The people that make the pictures demand money for their artwork. And the Women Advancement Trust does not have a lot of money to give. But, they have found an answer to this problem.
The answer came from common citizens who wanted to help. They wanted to share what they had learned about women's rights. These citizens learned about women's rights by looking at cartoons. These same citizens decided to learn how to make cartoons. More and more common citizens are learning how to make the important pictures. One woman said this It is better to spread education to the people. Then they can do it on their own.
The citizens of Tanzania believe that using cartoons is a fun and easy way to teach a serious message. And by making cartoons the citizens are part of something important. They are helping to stop violence and injustice against women in their communities. They are helping to teach other people too.
Violence and injustice happen in every community all over the world. Many times this violence and injustice is directed towards women and children. Today we have learned that education is important. Education is needed to stop violence and injustice.
But, many times, education can be difficult. There are many problems that can stop people from learning. For example, it is hard for people t learn when they cannot read. But, it is important for everyone to learn. And, there are many different ways to teach people. We can use theatre, films and music. We can talk to people. We can hold community meetings. We can even use cartoons!
Now that you know a little more, will you get involved in your community? Please, let us all get involved. Together we can help to stop violence and injustice!
The writer of today's program was Rebekah Schipper. The voices you heard were from United States. Computer users can hear these programs, read our scripts, and see our wordbook on our website at www.radio.English.net. This program is called 'Cartoons.' We love to hear comments and questions from our listeners. You can write to us care of this station. Or you can email us. Our email address is radio@english.net. We hope you can join us again next time for Spotlight. Goodbye!
