As we close out the celebration of our 25th anniversary, I am filled with immense gratitude and pride for all that we have achieved together. Over the past quarter-century, Population Media Center (PMC) has made significant strides in addressing critical global issues through our innovative social behavior change communication programs.
This milestone year has been particularly special. We launched impactful new projects in several countries, expanding our reach and amplifying our mission to promote healthier, more sustainable communities. From introducing groundbreaking programs in new regions to strengthening our existing initiatives, our work has continued to make a tangible difference in the lives of millions.
A radio serial drama implemented in Liberia to address gender equality, peace building and women’s rights in Liberia with implementing partner Talking Drums Studio Liberia.
Piloted in Guatemala, BREAKAWAY has been played in 150+ countries.
Toma Mi Mano is making a triumphant return in 2024!
This 104-episode Pidgin English radio show aired October 2016 through October 2017 in southern Nigeria. Jangala aired twice weekly on 26 radio stations across 16 states in southern Nigeria. It was being aired concurrently with A Dade Ana Yi, a Hausa language drama broadcast across the northern half of the country. Jangala engaged 1,250 daily listeners with interactive quizzes and reached a total audience of 1,133,227. As with all PMC radio shows, Jangala was created using PMC’s radio show methodology.
At scale and by popular demand, Kwishilya (“Over the Horizon”) provides more people more power to change their lives and communities for the better — especially women and girls. The first season of Kwishilya reached an estimated 659,440 weekly listeners, enabling more women to plan their families and allowing more girls to walk into the classroom. Kwishilya lays the groundwork for planet-positive behavior changes.
This 156-episode radio show aired from January 2019 to July 2020 in Lozi, one of Zambia’s official languages. Siñalamba released two episodes each week, with additional reruns for each episode. It aired on various community stations in Western Province. The broadcast areas have Lozi as the most widely spoken and understood language. We addressed child marriage, family planning, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, and gender-based violence. Siñalamba Encouraged behavior change around crucial health and social issues in Zambia. As with all PMC shows, Siñalamba was created using PMC’s methodology.
Our success would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible team, the unwavering support of our partners, and the generous contributions from our donors. I extend my heartfelt thanks to you. Your belief in our mission and your tireless efforts have been the cornerstone of our achievements.
Throughout the year, we have hosted numerous events that have brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and advocates to discuss and collaborate on solutions to pressing global challenges. These gatherings have not only fostered meaningful dialogue but have also paved the way for new partnerships and collaborations that will drive our work forward.
We have also been honored with several prestigious awards, recognizing the impact and effectiveness of our programs. These accolades are a testament to the innovative approaches and unwavering commitment of our team.
Looking ahead, I am excited to announce the launch of our InnovaLab project. This initiative will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research and development, allowing us to pioneer new methods and strategies to further our mission. InnovaLab represents our commitment to continuous improvement and our dedication to finding the most effective ways to create positive social change.
As we reflect on the past 25 years, we remain focused on the future. Our vision is clear: to continue expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and working tirelessly towards a more equitable and sustainable world. We invite you to join us on this journey, whether through continued support, active participation in our programs, or by spreading the word about our work.
Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, we have accomplished so much, and together, we will achieve even more in the years to come.
With deep appreciation,
Bill Ryerson Founder and President, Population Media Center
Reflecting on the past year fills us with awe and gratitude, as it has been a year of extraordinary impact. Dive into our Annual Report to discover the inspiring stories of transformation and the incredible ways we made a difference in 2022. Together, we’re shaping a brighter future.
