How is a Radio Programme Helping Bangladeshi Youth Cope with the Challenges of Adolescence?

"Qualitative research found that radio magazine show Dosh Unisher Mor (Crossroads at 10 to 19) [from BBC Media Action] provided adolescents with a much-needed source of information on topics deemed taboo, such as sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender based violence (GBV). In addition to acquiring knowledge, listeners reported attitudinal changes and increased confidence to tackle related problems. However, adolescents and parents were still reluctant to discuss these issues."

This BBC Media Action research summary describes the Bangladeshi context on lack of SRH communication for adolescents, and evaluation research on their project, Dosh Unisher Mor, "a 15-minute-long weekly radio magazine show, produced by BBC Media Action as part of the Generation Breakthrough project (2014-2016), aimed to address this need. Comprising of a short drama segment, a song, and interviews with experts and adolescents, it specifically sought to increase Bangladeshi adolescents’ knowledge and self-efficacy in seeking information and talking to their trusted elders about SRH and GBV."

BBC Media Action undertook a qualitative study using "in-depth interviews with 24 listeners (12 male and 12 female adolescents) and 12 gatekeepers (parents and teachers)....[t]o explore whether, how, and why Dosh Unisher Mor influenced listeners’ knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy – belief in one’s capacity to do something – regarding SRH and GBV." 

Key findings include:

• "Listeners reported that they had very few trusted sources of information and advice on SRH issues. In such a context, they perceived Dosh Unisher Mor to be an educational and entertaining programme that was unique in its exclusive focus on these topics...."
• "Adolescents were most engaged with and recalled content relating to physical changes experienced during adolescence, ...a social taboo...."
• "Dosh Unisher Mor also shifted audiences' perceptions of and attitudes towards GBV. Listeners said the show made them aware that, along with physical harassment, verbal and mental harassment also constituted GBV.... They also reported having learned what to do if they, or anyone they knew, were to be sexually assaulted."
• "Listeners felt obliged to and capable of taking a proactive role in fighting against social wrongdoings...."
• "Adolescents felt the open and natural discussion and detailed explanations of Dosh Unisher Mor ...contributed to generating learning and attitudinal change...."
• "...[M]any [listeners] still preferred to avoid embarrassing conversations and instead acquire answers from the radio...." Parents were reticent about talking with their adolescent children as well.

The document concludes that there is a continued need for radio programmes on SRH, as well as added value in exploring the use of social media platforms (particularly Facebook) for providing further information and advice on these topics. There is a need to create an environment that fosters conversations among adolescents and their parents around SRH and GBV, which media programmes might foster.