The Communication Initiative
Development action with informed and engaged societies
The Communication Initiative
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at lainiciativadecomunicacion.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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Wills and Inheritance Laws Programme - Zimbabwe

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In 2002, this International Video Fair project taught women about Zimbabwean Wills and Inheritance laws through the use of video, support materials, and discussion. It was developed based on the assessment that most women, especially in the rural areas, who lost their property to relatives when their husbands died, did not know their rights and how to protect them. The main objective of the project was to disseminate information about the Wills and Inheritance Laws so as to empower the family members left behind.
Communication Strategies

The Wills and Inheritance Programme was conducted in various locations throughout Zimbabwe, such as Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, and Msvingo. Sessions emphasised giving women knowledge and details about laws that protect them in the case of the death of their spouse. In the first half hour of each session, visiting educators talked about inheritance laws and explained how to write a will. A 30-minute support video screening followed this. "Neria", a courtroom drama from Zimbabwe, explored the emergence of a women's rights movement. The film also looked at the uneasy relationship between modern-minded city-dwellers and their counterparts in the villages. After the screening, the educators then engaged the audience in discussion and handed out information kits.


In co-operation with local NGOs, supporting pamphlets on basic laws were produced in English and the 2 major vernacular languages, Shona and Ndebele, on issues such as wills, domestic violence, women and rape, marriage and maintenance.

Development Issues

Women, Rights.

Key Points

Organisers estimated that the Wills and Inheritance programme reached approximately 315,100 people in both rural and urban Zimbabwe.

Partners

Zimbabwean Ministry of Justice, International Video Fair, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

Sources

Presentation to the SACOD Communication For development Forum November 11 2003 and The International Video Fair newsletter, dated November 18 2003.