Message from Bill Ryerson for the Launch of Nekakat

Greetings and congratulations to Dr. Hailegnaw and the staff, writers, and actors of Population Media Center-Ethiopia on the launch of the latest serial drama, Nekakat! I wish I could be with you in person for this launching event, and I look forward to coming to Ethiopia after the pandemic is over.

Many thanks to the United Nations Population Fund for the generous support that is making this latest initiative possible. The program will address key issues of importance of the welfare of the people of Ethiopia, including family planning and stopping all forms of violence against women and girls, such as FGM/C and child marriage. Changing social norms on these issues is necessary for enabling Ethiopia to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Ethiopia is the first country in which PMC has broadcast long-running serial dramas for social change, beginning in 2002, and we see the work there as a role model for our work worldwide. The significant impacts of previous programs in Ethiopia give us confidence that the new program will be successful in bringing about changes in social norms on the issues being addressed.

Best of luck to all involved for designing and producing an inspired and captivating program that will attract widespread listenership and bring about significant change.