Search for Common Ground (SFCG) in the DRC, known locally as Centre Lokole, was established in 2001 to support communications around the Inter-Congolese Dialogue, the cornerstone of the peace process that began in Lusaka in 1999. Its overarching goals are to support the peace process, to promote unity for the Democratic Republic of Congo, and to reinforce the capacity of local organisations to resolve local conflicts through the use of media, arts, dialogue, and training programmes based in peacebuilding centres around the country.
The DRC has frequently been described as one of the most dangerous countries for women. Sexual and gender based violence are rampant throughout society. “Vrai Djo,” or “Real Man,” is a project using mass media funded by the British Government aimed raising awareness of the population of western DRC of the need to change behaviour towards women, and to shape male attitudes so that they are more respectful and positive. It provides men with a positive role model for what it means to be considerate and responsible towards women.
The campaign produced four audio spots and five short films, all of which feature local music celebrity Mazimi Movil, also known as Celeo Scram, as the positive role model. Celeo had previously been identified by locals as consistently having a positive image in DRC society.
The audio and video shorts contained five scenarios in which men might abuse women: a soldier‟s interaction with female civilian, sexual advances in the workplace, child marriage and education, courtship and relationships that respect women, and domestic violence and the duties of women vis-a-vis their husbands.
This report presents the findings of the pre- and post-tests of the audio spots and short films to study groups in Kinshasa and Dongo, DRC. It utilized a mixed-methodology in order to assess shifts in attitude, culture and behaviour in pre- and post-screenings of the campaign.
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