Radio/Video Project on Older People's Rights - Africa

Radio is used as a tool to dramatise the predicaments of older people faced with abuses including violence; witchcraft accusations; abandonment; and the problems created by poverty, lack of access to health care, and HIV/AIDS. For example, one play explores the burden older people bear when their adult children die of AIDS and leave the orphans under their care. In this play, the village chief harasses an older woman, urging her to contribute some money for the village water project yet remaining deaf to her pleas that she does not have any money (she spends all her income taking care of her grandchildren). The older woman is accused of practising witchcraft, which it is said led to the death of her HIV-positive daughter and son-in-law. This play also highlights the common belief that older people cannot get AIDS since they are no longer sexually active.

Some of the plays were aired by Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (May 2003). The plays, each 14 minutes long, are designed to be used by community radio and TV stations and to be featured at training sessions and community and international events (like International Day of Older People and Human Rights Day). The scripts are available in English and French. Copies are being distributed to all HelpAge International's members and partners in Africa so that they can work with the media to reproduce the plays in local languages.

A two-part video entitled Old is Gold has also been produced. Part I (Rights of Older People - Mark of a Noble Society) looks at the various dimensions of the violations of older people's rights as described by older people themselves, policy makers, and representatives of other NGOs and older people's organisations. The video also focusses on the application of international human rights instruments, such as the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and People's Rights. Part II (Rights of Older People - Possible Solutions) looks at solutions - as defined by older people, their organisations, and policy makers.

Ageing, Rights.

The radio and video project is part of HelpAge International's programme "Addressing Violations of the Rights of Older Women and Men Africa". The overall programme goal is to reduce violations of the rights of older women and men in Africa by increasing understanding of the nature and extent of the violations of the rights of older women and men in Africa and enabling the development of appropriate interventions.

HelpAge International is a global network of members and partner organisations working in over 70 countries on practical and policy work. Its mission is to improve the lives of disadvantaged older people. Funders and partners include inter-government and government agencies, trusts and foundations, charitable agencies, companies, and individuals.