admin | February 2, 2024
This edition’s story from __ talks about sharing household tasks, the division of household labour. Our Script of the week treats the same theme.
In African countries, as in many other places, harmful attitudes and practices related to gender persist. These attitudes and practices marginalize women and girls in society, and violate their rights. This situation must change in order for women and girls to fully enjoy and participate in society.
This drama deals with the unfair division of roles between men and women.
In the village of Tènèbougou, there lives a man named Yayablé. Since he was young, he has embodied everything that, in his opinion, should characterize a man. He strives to put those values into practice in his home. His philosophy is: “To each gender their duty.” This year, with the scarcity of rain, the harvest was not fruitful and Yayablé’s family is in danger of starvation. So his wife Djôminè suggested that he sell firewood to meet the family’s needs. But Yayablé was offended by the suggestion because he perceives that selling firewood is women’s work. Just in time, Zanzou, Djôminè’s elder brother and friend of Yayablé, comes to Djômine’s rescue and helps Yayablé see reason. Yayablé is moved and begins to improve his relationship with his wife and family.
This three-scene drama can be performed on stage by professional actors and recorded for broadcast on radio stations. Alternatively, radio hosts can voice the characters during their broadcasts. The drama is designed to help audiences think differently about the roles of women, men, boys, and girls in the home and in the community.
The drama can also be used as a model for broadcasters to make programming on these issues. In doing local research for these programs, broadcasters might ask questions like:
- Between men and women, who is responsible for farming?
- What do women do at home? What do men do at home?
- How can men help their mothers, sisters, and wives, with tasks at home?
- What are the benefits of sharing different responsibilities between men and women?