The ‘Creative Centre for Communication and Development‘ (CCCD) based in Zimbabwe is a grantee partner of the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF). CCCD specialises in utilising information and communication technologies (ICT) to advance women’s human rights. In 2010, CCCD received a small grant of US$1,000 to use mobile phone advocacy to educate the public on Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Zimbabwe. In a 2011 narrative report to AWDF, CCCD stated that they chose this method of advocacy because “1 in 3 people in Zimbabwe have a cell phone” and that “subscribers can send 20 SMS messages locally for the cost of US$1”. As part of the ‘Mobile Fone Campaign’, CCCD utilised the ‘Freedom Fone application software’ (free open source software) to provide round the clock information on GBV. This included developing 5 audio interactive voice menus which also provided information on types of GBV, advice on leaving violent relationships and details of who to contact when you need help. CCCD recieved information via the ‘Freedom Fone’ about a case in which a man had raped his daughter who had consequently become pregnant. Participants in the programme met and decided to create a drama piece to highlight this issue, and in turn raise awareness about this form of Violence against Women (VAW). This performance was enacted in churches within the Bulawayo community and led to more women providing testimonies of their own experiences of GBV. This campaign coincided with a case that received prominent international attention – the story of a father from Argentina who raped his daughter for 30 years and had 10 children with her – and for this reason spurred the interest of local Zimbabwean media in CCCD’s drama performance and campaign.
In 2011, CCCD trained 25 women and girls on digital story telling. This method was chosen because it enables women through their own voices to share their experiences with the world. Below is a story by Sayamika:
Capacity Building is an integral part of the support AWDF gives grantee partners and CCCD has benefited from a number of opportunities designed to help the leadership and staff strengthen the work they do. In October 2011, Gertrude Pswarayi , the Executive Director of CCCD participated in AWDF’s ‘2nd CEO Forum’ held in Nairobi, Kenya where she delivered a presentation on ‘How CCCD is using social media to advance women’s rights’. Please see presentation below:
Creative Centre for Communication and Development
In November 2012, AWDF provided support for a member of CCCD staff to attend the ‘International Workshop on Resource Mobilisation’ held in Uganda. The learning acquired from participating in this programme is proving beneficial in the development of CCCD’s fundraising strategy.
CCCD’s most recent grant from AWDF was for US$20,000 to support institutional development over the next 3 years. This includes development of a strategic plan, financial management and corporate governance training for board and staff as well as a contribution towards the recruitment of staff. The grant also enabled CCCD to strengthen its communications work, and in March 2013, CCCD launched its new quarterly newsletter, ‘Stories of Change’.
CCCD Newsletter_January _ March 2013
Bravo CCCD, what an innovative way to reach out to women and girls with crucial information on GBV awareness, advocacy & mitigation! As partners in the fight against this pervasive public health evil on the African continent, we commend your efforts to end all forms of abuse and discrimation against women. Keep it up.
Together for “Zero Violence against African women and girls”