Population Media Center

25/06/2025

𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬.

In Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, where HIV rates are among the highest in the country, 𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑎𝑘𝑎 𝑌𝑎 𝐵𝑢𝑚𝑖 (“Community Health Dialogue Forum”) brought families, health experts, and local voices together every week across 8 radio stations—tackling HIV, gender-based violence, and reproductive health head-on - creating space for informed decisions and community support.

The impact speaks for itself:
9 in 10 listeners knew where to access family planning
68% of listeners knew where to seek help for gender-based violence

Through storytelling, expert interviews, and listener engagement, Insaka Ya Bumi became more than a show—it became a movement.

📣 Visit the full project page to explore the results, hear from leaders on the ground, and see how Population Media Center is transforming communities across Zambia and beyond.

🔗 www.populationmedia.org/projects/insaka-ya-bumi

18/06/2025

🌎✨ PMC was thrilled to be one of the sponsors for the Funds4Impact Summit, a powerful network of changemakers from over 10 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean that came together to move the needle on social impact.

PMC provided a signature workshop: “The Power of Storytelling to Generate Impact.” From fiction to function, we showed how stories ignite real results.

🎬 Top storytelling tips we shared:
Drama + suspense = keep your audience glued
Characters they see themselves in = emotional buy-in
Consequences = learning opportunities
Character growth = audience loyalty
Foster conversations = strategize key platforms
Measure impact = know it and grow it 📊

Let’s keep turning powerful stories into powerful impact.

11/06/2025

What happens when storytelling speaks the language of the people it’s meant to serve?

In Zambia, where HIV, early marriage, teen pregnancy, and gender-based violence shape daily life, Population Media Center partnered with local leaders, educators, and creatives to spark conversations that often stay unspoken.

Together, we transformed classrooms, radio stations, and everyday community spaces into trusted places for learning, reflection, and connection—centering the voices of young people, survivors, and families.

This work came to life through three standout projects:

📚 A comic book with a cause.
Dambo Lathu brought vivid illustrations and into classrooms. Students not only gained critical knowledge—they found a safe space to talk, reflect, and reimagine their futures.

🎙️ Powerful stories, real action.
Kasensa Kabuumi delivered a four-part radio drama that sparked powerful conversations across Southern Province. Among exposed listeners, awareness of One-Stop Centers rose to 71.3% (up from 47.6%), and trust in local family planning services grew—evidence that the stories didn’t just resonate, they made an impact.

🌍 A province-wide conversation.
Insaka Ya Bumi reached eight radio stations with a dynamic mix of short fictional stories, expert guests, live listener call-ins, and interactive quizzes. The program became a consistent space for learning, community reflection, and public engagement.

These projects prove one thing: when communities lead the conversation, lives change.

05/06/2025

Today is World Environment Day. The theme for this year is plastic pollution. Like most issues, this isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a gender equity issue.

Women disproportionately collect water, cook food, manage household waste, and care for loved ones—roles that increase their daily contact with plastic and its toxic byproducts. Women are overrepresented in the informal waste economy, where they handle trash without protective gear, legal rights, or fair wages.

In a world fatigued by statistics and warnings, stories spark something deeper. They inspire empathy, reveal hidden truths, and shift harmful cultural norms from the inside out. That’s the heart of our work at PMC—reshaping to narratives rooted in empowerment, sustainability, and intergenerational responsibility.

27/05/2025

En este adelanto en Primer Impacto de Papás por Conveniencia, vemos cómo el abuso está profundamente relacionado con el poder y la manipulación de los agresores. Si sospechas que tu hija o hijo ha sido víctima de acoso o abuso sexual, ¡no te calles!

El abuso puede presentarse de muchas formas y en distintos entornos. Conocer las señales de alerta puede marcar la diferencia. Guardar silencio solo protege al agresor y puede hacer que tu hijo o hija se sienta vulnerable y sin voz.

Conoce los recursos de ayuda disponibles en: www.univision.com/reddeapoyo

Y para saber más sobre la serie Papás por Conveniencia, visita: https://www.populationmedia.org/the-latest/entertainment-meets-empowerment-papas-por-conveniencia-launches-in-the-united-states



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25/05/2025

En Peru, algo inesperado está cambiando las reglas del juego, literalmente.

BREAKAWAY, un juego de video inmersivo de Population Media Center, no solo entretiene a los estudiantes en Cusco. También está generando conversaciones valientes, desafiando normas de género arraigadas y desbloqueando el potencial de liderazgo de los jóvenes, especialmente en temas de equidad e inclusión.

¿Los primeros resultados? Casi el 70% de los estudiantes que jugaron BREAKAWAY dicen que les hizo replantearse los roles tradicionales de género.

La violencia y el acoso por motivos de género son crisis globales que limitan futuros y afectan a más de 200,000 vidas anualmente. Pero en una región llena de tradiciones, resiliencia y comunidades vibrantes, los jóvenes en Cusco están convirtiéndose en agentes de cambio. Al llevar estas nuevas perspectivas a las aulas, amistades y vidas familiares, los efectos en cadena son innegables.

Así empieza el cambio.

Lee más: https://www.populationmedia.org/the-latest/breakaway-peru-tool-for-change

BREAKAWAY : Listos, preparados, ¡a jugar!

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11/05/2025

This Mother’s Day we’re welcoming PMC Program Manager Sandy Jonah back to work following her maternity leave—and honored to highlight her powerful birthing journey as part of our reflection on Black maternal health in the U.S.

We welcome Sandy back from maternity leave less than two weeks after colleagues attended the Advancing Awareness into Action: 2025 Black Maternal Health Summit with a focus on investment in community-based birth workers and culturally grounded care.

In Sandy’s case, her son was delivered by her favorite obstetrician – with whom she bonded over their shared Haitian roots. She first confirmed her pregnancy with her gynecologist, who literally jumped for joy with her when the ultrasound showed a healthy baby. And Sandy’s insurance case manager helped her get into a flagship program designed to prove that doula care makes a difference – a program that had a spot for one more Black woman.

Sandy’s story and gatherings like the Black Maternal Health Summit give us hope in the face of devastating U.S. maternal mortality rates that include stark disparities in deaths across racial, ethnic, and geographic regions. And these disparities continue to widen as reported just last month by the American Medical Association.

These are preventable deaths, and as Sandy shared her story, her message was simple but powerful: mothers need care and support – from community members, health care providers, insurance companies, friends, and family.

We are excited to have Sandy back and even more grateful for the health and well-being of her and her son. We honor stories like Sandy’s. Because change begins when we listen—and act—with care.

09/05/2025

𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚: 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬!

Imagine three bold media pilot projects across the Copperbelt, Eastern, and Southern Provinces in Zambia—each designed to spark open dialogue, shift attitudes, and inspire action.

In classrooms, comic books captured the imagination of students. On the airwaves, radio dramas and call-in shows became trusted platforms for connection, understanding, and empowerment. In community spaces, live events turned listeners into advocates for change.

Together, these projects reached hundreds of thousands of people—helping parents, teens, and health workers reimagine what’s possible.

Read more about the impact of these projects and how storytelling is transforming lives in Zambia: https://www.populationmedia.org/the-latest/stories-spark-change-in-zambia-innovalab-projects-show-real-results

08/05/2025

Congratulations, Dr. Hailegnaw Eshete! We’re proud to see your inspiring journey recognized by the Ethiopian Press Agency. We are grateful to have you at the head of our PMC-Ethiopia office. Thank you for all you do to drive lasting impact.

Who Is Dr. Hailegnaw Eshete? Discover the Inspiring Journey of a Visionary Leader
Behind every great name lies a story of perseverance, passion, and purpose. Meet Dr. Hailegnaw Eshete, the Country Director of Population Media Center–Ethiopia (PMC-ETH), whose life and work embody dedication and transformative impact.
In a recent feature by the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA), Hailegnaw (MPH, PhD) shared his extraordinary journey in the Life Appearance column under the headline:
“A Researcher Who Has Made a Success of His Endeavors.”
From Humble Beginnings to National Influence
Where did his story begin? How did he rise above challenges to become a leader in his field? What key milestones define his legacy?
The interview delves into these questions and more revealing:
• The early experiences that shaped his vision
• The obstacles he overcame with resilience
• His groundbreaking research and contributions to Ethiopia’s development
• How his work continues to benefir communities and drive changes
Dr. Hailegnaw’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, intellect, and service. His story is not just his own, it’s an inspiration for aspiring leaders and changemakers.
📖 Dive deeper into his remarkable life, read the full article in Amharic here:
👉https://press.et/?p=150328

22/04/2025

🌍 Earth Day: Changing the Story to Change the Future

Earth Day isn’t just a date—it’s a call to rethink how we live, what we value, and the legacy we leave behind.

Today, we’re living in —consuming more than Earth can replenish and pushing planetary systems to the brink. , , and deepening inequality are symptoms of a deeper imbalance between how we live and what the Earth can sustain.

At Population Media Center, we believe lasting change begins with the stories we tell. Stories influence behaviors, shift cultural norms, and empower communities to make informed choices. Through media, we champion reproductive rights, gender equality, and —not as separate issues, but as interconnected pieces of a healthier future for all.

This Earth Day, revisit an episode of our Population: 8 Billion podcast that asks one of the most urgent questions of our time:

How can humanity thrive within the limits of one planet—while ensuring justice and opportunity for all?

🎙️ Episode 1: The Dilemma of Sustainability

This episode challenges the myth of infinite economic growth and examines the consequences of ecological overshoot—resource depletion, pollution, inequality, and climate chaos. But it also explores people-centered solutions, rooted in equity, resilience, and systems-level change. It’s not just about survival—it’s about re-imagining and building a better way forward.

🎧 Tune in:
https://bit.ly/3RZa78D

Our work only works when we work together—alongside partners, supporters and changemakers who show up every day for people and the planet.

This Earth Day, we honor the caretakers, amplify the changemakers, and recommit to rewriting the story—together.

17/04/2025

Papás Por Conveniencia (“Family of Convenience”), which originally premiered on Las Estrellas in Mexico, has officially debuted in the United States on Univision—bringing urgent social issues to life through the lens of a compelling and relatable family drama.

The series introduces viewers to the Chamorro family—Lichita, Chano, Checo, Chofis, and Chuchito—as they navigate complex and very real challenges. Through Chofis’s experiences, the show thoughtfully explores sensitive topics such as unplanned pregnancy, sexual health, and the pressures young people face today. As the family works through these situations together, audiences are invited to reflect on the importance of open communication, empathy, and informed decision-making within families.

As the story unfolds, viewers will follow the journey of a teenager and their parents as they confront the challenges of being a teenager in modern society, the risks of sexually transmitted infections, and the difficult reality of sexual and gender-based violence. These moments carry weight and consequence, making space for honest conversations and opportunities for growth. Grounded in character-driven storytelling, Papás Por Conveniencia not only entertains—it educates, creating space for viewers to see themselves and others with greater compassion and understanding.

Produced by Rosy Ocampo in collaboration with TelevisaUnivision and developed with support from Population Media Center (PMC), the show is rooted in a research-based approach to storytelling designed to reflect real lives and inspire meaningful . It’s a telenovela with purpose—blending narrative with impact to spark dialogue and drive awareness around critical health and social issues.

To amplify its reach, the show has partnered with Power to Decide and its digital platform Bedsider, connecting viewers to trusted, medically accurate, and judgment-free sexual and resources. Alongside a robust digital outreach campaign and the launch of univision.com/reddeapoyo, these efforts ensure that audiences are not only engaged but also empowered to make informed decisions about their health and futures.

Learn more: https://www.populationmedia.org/the-latest/entertainment-meets-empowerment-papas-por-conveniencia-launches-in-the-united-states

09/04/2025

We are excited and honored to be part of the 58th Session of the UN Commission on Population and Development Hosted by Population Connection! Join PMC’s Bill Ryerson, Founder & President Emeritus, and Natalia Cereser de Amado, VP of International Programs, plus Sara Lara, Founder & President of Women for Conservation, as they discuss: "What's the Story with Family Planning?"

This conversation brings together leading voices in the field to explore how women’s empowerment, reproductive freedom, and the power of storytelling are driving meaningful change across the globe. With our innovative dramas, Population Media Center (PMC) has been at the forefront of using media to highlight the vital importance of , , and .

By tackling topics such as family planning and , PMC has sparked critical conversations in communities through past projects like Barnusietehdeh! (Let’s Do The Right Thing) in Liberia, Toma Mi Mano Radionovela (“Take My Hand”) in Guatemala, and Isbadalka Maalmaha (“Changing Days”) in Kenya. These dramas have made an undeniable impact, creating opportunities for dialogue and transforming lives.

As we come together for this insightful discussion, it’s clear that these conversations are more important than ever. We’re proud to be part of the global discussion that helps create healthier, more sustainable futures for all.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, engage, and be inspired!

📅 Date: April 10th
⏰ Time: 12 pm ET
🔗 Register now: https://populationconnection-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iL0Ob0QaTEGqENFzMMLEpA #/registration