Rev Martin Kalimbe urging actors to be agents of change on reproductive health
* Discussions on sexual and reproductive health are regarded as taboos, and here in Malawi, taboos silence conversations
* The silence on some SRHR issues, such as abortion, creates stigma which affects individuals from seeking safe, legal healthcare
By Beatrice Ligomeka
The Centre for Solutions Journalism (CSJ) has urged actors to use their unique platforms and performances to educate audiences about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
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Speaking passionately at the end of training for actors under the theme; ‘Acting for Change‘, CSJ Board member Rev. Martin Kalimbe emphasised that actors can play a crucial role in breaking taboos and spreading accurate information on sensitive SRHR topics, such as access to safe abortion.
“Discussions on sexual and reproductive health are regarded as taboos, and here in Malawi, taboos silence conversations,” he said.
“The silence on some SRHR issues, such as abortion, creates stigma which affects individuals from seeking safe, legal healthcare.”
Actress Mercy Upindi following presentations during the training
He explained that the experience of CSJ shows that there is power in storytelling and drama to destigmatise abortion.
Kalimbe commended the government for ensuring that district hospitals have safe motherhood wings that include delivery, maternity and postabortion care.
Turning the actors, Kalimbe said: “My advice is please ensure that accurate information is embedded in all the scripts.
“Let your acting lead to healthcare-seeking behaviour and cultural acceptance of access to SRHR services.
“Let your creativity be a catalyst for policy change, respect for bodily autonomy and improved access to services.
Actors practise how to deliver key messages during training
WAZ Arts Theatre artistic director, Jeremiah Mwaungulu said the training has strengthened their ability to portray sensitive issues accurately while ensuring that characters and messages remain relevant to the roles being played.
“The training has helped us to understand the ruling and how to communicate accurate information,” Mwaungulu said.
“It will also help us to build our characters according to our drama roles and ensure that the message we deliver is accurate.”
He added that the skills would be useful when developing performances for different audiences, particularly on issues that require careful and responsible communication.
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