Amplifying Voices

Content warning: This piece includes references to sexual violence and child abuse - reader discretion advised.

In this short graphic narrative produced by Dr Emma Heywood and PositiveNegatives, the issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in Burkina Faso is explored. The piece depicts the complex lived experiences of survivors, and shows how radio broadcasts tackling GBV and discussing women's rights can lead to greater understanding and openness about their trauma.

This graphic narrative summarises some key findings from a series of research projects conducted since 2018 in Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, West Africa. The overarching aim of the projects was to assess the impact of radio, as the main source of information, on women's rights and empowerment in the region.

The findings from the assessment revealed significant levels of psychological and physical gender-based violence (GBV) which was exacerbated in conflict-affected areas and amongst internally displaced persons. The taboo nature of GBV within society means that addressing the topic in order to find solutions is challenging.

However, the research suggests that by consistently discussing GBV through radio platforms in a manner that is both culturally sensitive and trauma-informed, communities can begin to break down the silence and taboos that have prevented meaningful dialogue and intervention.

By normalising conversations about gender-based violence via radio, there is potential to increase acknowledgment, understanding, and ultimately develop more effective strategies to support and protect vulnerable populations.

Dr Heywood has also written an Open Access book about this research: Radio and Women's Empowerment in Francophone West Africa (available to read and download for free via SpringerLink). 

Dans ce court récit graphique produit par le Dr Emma Heywood et PositiveNegatives, la question de la violence basée sur le genre (VBG) au Burkina Faso est explorée. L'œuvre décrit les expériences complexes vécues par les survivantes et montre comment les émissions de radio abordant la VBG et discutant des droits des femmes peuvent conduire à une meilleure compréhension et à une plus grande ouverture sur leur traumatisme.