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Media Campaign
Reaching out. Making headlines. Turning up the volume. Across the country, BONELA’s ongoing media campaign is promoting messages about human rights and HIV/AIDS using a variety of communication strategies.
RADIO
On the airwaves, BONELA’s voice is being heard advocating for the rights of those who are affected and infected by HIV/AIDS. Launched in May 2006, the series of radio jingles primarily portrays people who have suffered from HIV-related discrimination, such as a woman being fired from work and a student facing stigma in the classroom.
“As a person living with HIV/AIDS, you too have rights. Know your status, know your rights,” they announce.
Besides raising awareness of human rights among the general public, these jingles serve as a starting point for finding redress for those who have experienced discrimination based on their HIV status. BONELA’s services, including a legal aid clinic, are also publicised on the 30-second spots.
The radio commercials were produced in collaboration with local multimedia company Soulpower and air on several radio stations in Gaborone and other parts of Botswana. Throughout 2006 and 2007, the campaign will continue to grow with the production of additional jingles focused on topical issues.
Tune into BONELA’s radio jingles here: Introduction, Services, Right to Employment, Right to Education, HIV Employment Law (English, Setswana).
(To open the jingles click on the link. To download the jingles right click and choose “save target as”.)
POSTERS
From its inception two years ago, the “Making Human Rights a Reality” poster campaign has made its way around Botswana - to hospitals, libraries, banks, police stations, classrooms, government departments, offices, AIDS service organisations and health clinics among other key locations in communities.
The series of six posters highlights the importance of human rights of those affected by the HIV epidemic and helping individuals to become aware of their rights and responsibilities related to:
| Equality | Have a family | Work | Education | Health | Dignity | |||||
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| (English, Setswana) | (English, Setswana) | (English, Setswana) | (English, Setswana) | (English, Setswana) | (English, Setswana) |
| BONELA’s most recent campaign aims at supporting HIV prevention in prisons. Posters available in both English and Setswana. | In addition to this series, BONELA recently produced English and Setswana posters on routine testing to inform individuals of their rights to confidentiality, consent and counselling. |
As part of BONELA’s campaign for an HIV employment law, a poster was developed to raise awareness around the need for a law to protect HIV-related rights in the workplace. |
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| (English, Setswana) | (English, Setswana) | (English, Setswana) |
NEWSLETTER
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With a growing circulation, the BONELA Guardian is a quarterly publication which has been a staple in the organisation’s media programme since its first issue in 2003. It offers insightful and timely articles related to legal, ethical and human-rights aspects of the HIV epidemic. Regular features include reports on relevant Botswana initiatives, related regional and international news, and updates on BONELA’s own work.
In just the past year, the BONELA Guardian has covered hot topics such as: HIV and people living with disabilities; the access of refugees to HIV care and treatment in Botswana; the debate on routine testing; and, the sexual and reproductive health rights of HIV-positive women.
The eight-page, full-colour publication features original content produced by staff and other interested, informed individuals. Opinion pieces are also encouraged from members of the community.
The latest and back issues of the BONELA Guardian can be downloaded here.
HIV, Human Rights and People Living with Disabilities
People living with disabilities are commonly left out of mainstream conversations about HIV/AIDS, including access to information to help prevent infection and to promote their care. Spearheaded by BONELA, a pilot project is currently under way aimed at bringing these issues to the forefront enlisting the assistance of organisations working with people living with disabilities.
Following a forum, BONELA, in collaboration with these groups, is set to produce materials on HIV, Human Rights and People Living with Disabilities in multimedia formats, including Braille and audio versions in a conscious effort to increase the accessibility of information.
Media Relations and Press Coverage
Coordinated by the Media and Advocacy Officer, BONELA has a proactive and ongoing media relations programme. This includes addressing and responding to timely issues related to the organisation’s mandate highlighted in the press, community and political arena. BONELA also garners coverage for its events and forums.
Staff members are regularly requested by the local and international press to provide expert commentary on ethical, legal and human rights aspects of the epidemic. This includes appearances on TV, Radio, and news programmes as well as regularly in numerous newspapers published in Botswana.
BONELA’s media programme is supported by Hivos, NACA, and OSISA.
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