Wise Whispers

The primary problem that Wise Whispers aims to address is the lack of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information among young people, compounded by cultural norms and stigmas that often inhibit open discussions on these topics.

Globally, young people, especially in low- and middle-income countries, face significant barriers in accessing accurate SRHR information and services. According to the World Health Organization, over 1.2 billion adolescents aged 10-19 live in the world today, and many of them do not have access to necessary SRHR education and services. In Tanzania, for example, where our show will be initially launched, the need for comprehensive SRHR education is pronounced. A study conducted by the Guttmacher Institute found that 60% of sexually active unmarried girls aged 15-19 in Tanzania have an unmet need for modern contraception, and less than one-third use any method of contraception at all.

The lack of access to SRHR information is often coupled with prevailing cultural norms and stigmas that discourage open discussions on sexuality and reproductive health. In Tanzania, traditional beliefs and taboos often prevent young people from seeking SRHR information and services. This is reflected in the high rates of teenage pregnancies in the country, with 21% of girls aged 15-19 having begun childbearing, according to the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey 2015-2016.

Wise Whispers addresses these challenges by providing a platform for young people to learn about SRHR in a format that is engaging and relatable. The reality TV show format breaks down traditional barriers to accessing SRHR information by bringing real-life stories and expert insights directly to the viewers, thus normalizing conversations around these topics. 

By featuring young participants who face SRHR challenges and share their personal stories, the show fosters a sense of community and support among the viewers, encouraging them to seek the information and services they need. This innovative approach has the potential to significantly impact the quality of and access to SRHR information for young people, not just in Tanzania, but globally, as the show will be made available for online streaming, reaching a wider audience.

Wise Whispers is a reality TV show that brings young participants together to face sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) challenges, share personal stories, and learn from experts. Our innovative approach combines entertainment with education, utilizing the reality TV format to engage viewers and break down taboos surrounding SRHR topics.

Here is how Wise Whispers works:

1. Casting: We select a diverse group of young participants who have faced or are facing SRHR challenges. The casting is done through an open call, and participants are chosen based on their willingness to share their stories and learn from the experience.

2. Filming: The show is filmed in various locations, including the participants' communities, to provide an authentic representation of their lives and challenges. The filming process involves capturing the participants' daily lives, interactions with their communities, and their journey throughout the show.

3. Expert Input: During the show, participants are provided with expert advice and information from SRHR professionals. This includes doctors, psychologists, and activists who specialize in SRHR topics. The experts provide valuable insights and practical solutions to the challenges faced by the participants.

4. Storytelling: The participants share their personal stories and experiences, providing viewers with a relatable and authentic representation of SRHR challenges. This storytelling aspect is crucial in breaking down taboos and normalizing conversations around SRHR topics.

5. Broadcasting: The show is broadcasted on public television channels, including Star TV, ITV, and Wasafi TV, ensuring that it reaches a wide audience. We have already conducted 3 TV shows and are expected to do 12 more by next year.

By utilizing the reality TV format, Wise Whispers provides an engaging and relatable way for young people to learn about SRHR. The show combines entertainment with education, creating a unique platform that breaks down taboos and provides viewers with valuable information and insights. The inclusion of expert advice and personal stories ensures that the content is both informative and relatable, making it an effective tool for improving SRHR awareness and education among young people.

Our solution, Wise Whispers, serves young people aged 15-24 in Tanzania and across the globe who are facing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) challenges. This age group is often underserved when it comes to SRHR education and resources, leaving them vulnerable to health risks such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancies, and complications from unsafe abortions.

The lack of comprehensive SRHR education and the taboos surrounding these topics can also lead to misinformation, low self-esteem, and a lack of agency for young people when it comes to making informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

Wise Whispers addresses these needs by providing an engaging and informative platform that combines entertainment with education. The reality TV show format appeals to young viewers, capturing their attention and providing them with vital SRHR information in a relatable and accessible way.

Through the show, young people will learn about:

1. Safe sex practices and the importance of using contraception to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancies.
2. The rights they have regarding their sexual and reproductive health, including the right to consent and the right to access SRHR services.
3. How to navigate relationships and communicate effectively with partners about SRHR topics.
4. The importance of seeking professional advice and support when faced with SRHR challenges.

By providing young people with accurate information and practical solutions to SRHR challenges, Wise Whispers empowers them to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, ultimately improving their overall well-being and quality of life.

In addition to the direct impact on the participants and viewers of the show, Wise Whispers also contributes to the broader goal of normalizing conversations around SRHR topics and breaking down the taboos that surround them. This is crucial in creating a society where young people feel comfortable seeking information and support for their SRHR needs, ultimately contributing to better sexual and reproductive health outcomes for all.

Prisca, our team lead, has a deep personal connection to the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) challenges faced by young people in Tanzania. Growing up, she witnessed first-hand the lack of comprehensive SRHR education and the taboos that surround these topics in her community. This inspired her to become an advocate for better SRHR education and services for young people, and ultimately led her to found Wise Whispers.

Prisca’s personal story is representative of the experiences of many young people in Tanzania, making her uniquely positioned to understand the needs and challenges faced by our target population. Her lived experiences have shaped the design and implementation of Wise Whispers, ensuring that the solution is deeply rooted in the realities and needs of the communities we are serving.

To further ensure that our solution meets the needs of young people, we have engaged in extensive community consultation and collaboration. Our team has conducted interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys with young people to gather their input and feedback on the show’s format, content, and messaging. We have also sought the input of experts in SRHR education and youth engagement to ensure that our solution is evidence-based and effective.

The insights gathered from these consultations have informed the development of our reality TV show, ensuring that it is relevant, relatable, and engaging for our target audience. By involving young people in the design and implementation of Wise Whispers, we are ensuring that our solution is meaningfully guided by the communities’ input, ideas, and agendas.

Our team is committed to continuously gathering feedback and learning from our audience to improve and refine our solution over time. We are also dedicated to building partnerships with other organizations and stakeholders to amplify the impact of our solution and contribute to the broader goal of improving SRHR outcomes for young people in Tanzania and beyond.

Our television broadcasts have successfully reached an estimated 500,000 young people. This number is based on the viewership ratings of the television channels Star TV, ITV, and Wasafi TV where our shows were aired. Each broadcast has garnered significant viewership, allowing us to disseminate vital sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information to a wide audience.

The format of our show is designed to engage young people in an informative and relatable manner. By sharing personal stories and expert advice, we are able to educate our audience on SRHR topics in a way that resonates with them. The success of our broadcasts is a testament to the need for innovative solutions that prioritize the unique needs of young people in Tanzania and beyond.

As we continue to expand our reach, our goal is to impact even more young people, providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Our future plans include airing additional 12 TV shows, reaching more television channels, and incorporating interactive elements to engage our audience further. Ultimately, we aim to create a lasting positive impact on the SRHR outcomes of young people in Tanzania and beyond.

Our solution approaches the problem of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) education and taboo breaking in a new and innovative way by leveraging the power and reach of television broadcasts. The integration of personal stories, expert advice, and interactive formats in our television shows makes SRHR information more relatable, accessible, and engaging for young people, breaking down barriers of stigma and misinformation.

The innovative aspect of our solution lies in the way we utilize mainstream media, specifically television, to address SRHR challenges. While many SRHR initiatives may focus on community workshops, school programs, or digital platforms, our solution meets young people where they are - in front of their television screens. This approach ensures that we can reach a broader audience, including those who may not have access to the internet or other resources.

Our solution is not just about disseminating information; it is also about creating a dialogue and fostering a sense of community. By sharing personal stories and experiences, we humanize the challenges faced by young people regarding SRHR, encouraging empathy and understanding. This approach can catalyze broader positive impacts by inspiring other organizations and initiatives to adopt a more relatable and human-centered approach in their programs.

Our solution has the potential to change the market by normalizing conversations around SRHR and challenging existing taboos and stigmas. As we continue to expand our broadcasts and reach more young people, we hope to shift societal attitudes and create a more supportive environment for young people to access the SRHR information and services they need.

In terms of technology, while television is a traditional medium, our approach to content creation and audience engagement is innovative. We utilize interactive formats and social media integrations to create a more dynamic and engaging viewing experience. This integration of traditional and new media ensures that our broadcasts are not only informative but also interactive and engaging, catering to the preferences and behaviors of young people today.

Next Year:

1. Reach 1,200,000 young people through our television broadcasts, providing them with accurate and relatable SRHR information.
2. Increase viewer engagement by 50% through interactive formats and social media integrations.
3. Establish partnerships with at least three organizations working in the SRHR space to enhance our content and broaden our impact.

To achieve these goals, we will continue to produce high-quality and relatable content that resonates with our target audience. We will leverage social media platforms to increase viewer engagement and create a dialogue around SRHR issues. Additionally, we will seek out partnerships with organizations that have expertise in SRHR to strengthen our content and broaden our reach.

Next Five Years:
1. Reach 5,000,000 young people through our television broadcasts, providing them with the necessary SRHR information and resources to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
2. Facilitate a measurable shift in societal attitudes towards SRHR, breaking down taboos and reducing stigma.
3. Influence policy changes at the national level to improve access to SRHR information and services for young people.

To achieve these long-term goals, we will continue to expand our broadcasts and increase our reach to young people in different regions. We will also engage in advocacy efforts to shift societal attitudes towards SRHR and influence policy changes. This will include conducting research to gather data on the impact of our broadcasts on young people's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding SRHR, and using this data to advocate for policy changes.

We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with other organizations working in the SRHR space, leveraging their expertise and resources to enhance our content and impact. We will also explore opportunities to collaborate with government agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that our broadcasts are aligned with national SRHR strategies and priorities.

Our impact goals for the next year and the next five years are centered around expanding our reach, increasing viewer engagement, breaking down societal taboos, and influencing policy changes to improve access to SRHR information and services for young people. 

By achieving these goals, we aim to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality).

Theory of Change for the SRHR Reality TV Show:

Inputs/Activities:

1. Development of TV show content that is relatable and engaging for young people.
2. Broadcast of TV show on popular channels that reach a large audience of young people.
3. Integration of interactive elements and social media to enhance viewer engagement.
4. Collaboration with organizations working in the SRHR space to strengthen content and broaden reach.

Outputs:

1. Increased knowledge and awareness of SRHR issues among young people.
2. Increased viewer engagement and dialogue around SRHR issues.
3. Strengthened partnerships with other organizations working in the SRHR space.

Outcomes:

1. Improved attitudes and behaviors of young people towards SRHR.
2. Increased demand for and access to SRHR information and services.
3. Improved SRHR outcomes for young people.

Impact:

1. Empowered young people to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
2. Reduced stigma and taboos surrounding SRHR.
3. Improved overall SRHR outcomes and well-being of young people in the communities served.

Evidence to support the existence and strength of these links includes:

1. Findings from a process evaluation that shows increased knowledge and awareness of SRHR issues among viewers of the TV show.
2. Data from interviews with young people that indicate a positive shift in attitudes and behaviors towards SRHR.
3. Third-party research that demonstrates the impact of media and interactive elements on viewer engagement and behavior change.
4. Statistics on the increase in demand for and access to SRHR information and services as a result of the TV show.

By creating a TV show that is engaging and relatable for young people, we aim to increase their knowledge and awareness of SRHR issues, thereby empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. The interactive elements and social media integration will enhance viewer engagement and create a dialogue around SRHR issues, contributing to a positive shift in attitudes and behaviors. 

Collaborations with organizations working in the SRHR space will strengthen our content and broaden our reach, thereby amplifying our impact. Ultimately, we expect our TV show to contribute to improved SRHR outcomes and overall well-being for young people in the communities served.

On our solution team, we have:

• 2 full-time staff: 1 Project Manager who oversees the overall project implementation and 1 Content Developer who is responsible for creating engaging and informative content.
• 2 part-time staff: 1 Marketing Specialist who handles the promotion of the TV show and 1 Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist who assesses the impact of the show on the target audience.
• 1 contractor: A Video Production Specialist responsible for producing high-quality video content for the TV show.

We have been working on our solution since June 2023. During this time, we have successfully conducted three TV shows on three public television stations - Star TV, ITV, and Wasafi TV. Our plan is to continue expanding our reach and impact by conducting 12 more TV shows by next year. Through our show, we aim to address SRHR challenges, share personal stories, and provide expert insights to educate viewers and break societal taboos surrounding sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Our approach to incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into our work is rooted in our fundamental belief that everyone deserves to have their voice heard and their needs addressed, regardless of their background, gender, or social status.

1. Diversity: We strive to represent a diverse range of voices and perspectives in our TV shows, ensuring that we include stories and insights from people of different ages, genders, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds. This representation helps to provide a more comprehensive and relatable range of experiences for our viewers, facilitating greater understanding and empathy among different communities.

2. Equity: We are committed to providing equal access to opportunities for all members of our team, as well as for the communities we serve. This includes ensuring that our content is accessible to people from all walks of life, and that our programming reflects the needs and interests of the diverse communities we aim to reach. We actively seek out and address any systemic barriers that may be preventing full participation from marginalized groups.

3. Inclusivity: Our team works diligently to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. This includes fostering a culture of openness and collaboration, where all team members are encouraged to share their ideas and perspectives. We also prioritize the inclusion of marginalized voices in our content, actively seeking out stories and experiences that are often overlooked or ignored by mainstream media.

Our leadership team is a reflection of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity. We have a diverse team of individuals from different backgrounds and experiences, all of whom bring unique perspectives and insights to our work. Our goal is to continue building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive team as we grow and expand our impact.

Our business model revolves around providing valuable educational content on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) to young people while leveraging partnerships and advertising to generate revenue.

1. Value to Beneficiaries: We produce and broadcast a reality TV show that addresses SRHR challenges faced by young people. The show combines storytelling with expert advice to educate and inform our audience. By sharing personal stories of young participants and insights from SRHR experts, we aim to break taboos and provide young people with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

2. Products and Services:

• TV Show: A reality TV show that combines storytelling and expert advice on SRHR topics.
• Online Platform: We also provide content on an online platform that is accessible to young people who may not have access to our TV broadcast.

1. Key Customers:

• Young People: Our primary beneficiaries are young people aged 15 to 24 who are in need of accurate and reliable SRHR information.
• Advertisers: To generate revenue, we partner with advertisers who wish to reach our young and engaged audience.
• NGOs and Government Organizations: We also collaborate with NGOs and government organizations that are working in the SRHR space and are interested in using our platform to reach young people.

1. Revenue Streams:

• Advertising: Revenue generated from advertisements aired during our TV show and on our online platform.
• Partnerships: Revenue from partnerships with NGOs, government organizations, and other stakeholders who are interested in leveraging our platform to reach young people.
• Merchandise: We also plan to generate revenue by selling merchandise related to our TV show.

Our business model is designed to provide valuable educational content on SRHR to young people while leveraging partnerships and advertising to generate revenue. Our goal is to create a sustainable model that allows us to continue producing and broadcasting our TV show, reaching more young people and making a greater impact in the communities we serve.

Our plan for financial sustainability is centered around diversifying our revenue streams, maximizing our advertising potential, and establishing strategic partnerships to ensure long-term funding.

1. Diversifying Revenue Streams:

   • Advertising: Our primary source of revenue is advertising. We aim to attract advertisers who are looking to reach our young and engaged audience. We will leverage our TV show’s viewership and online platform’s traffic to offer advertisers valuable exposure.
   • Sponsored Content: We plan to collaborate with brands and organizations to create sponsored content that aligns with our mission and message. This will provide additional advertising revenue while also delivering valuable content to our audience.
   • Merchandising: We will explore the possibility of selling merchandise related to our TV show, such as branded apparel and accessories.

2. Maximizing Advertising Potential:

   • We will invest in marketing and promotion to increase our viewership and online traffic, making our platform more attractive to advertisers.
   • We will employ a dedicated sales team to actively seek out and secure advertising contracts.

3. Strategic Partnerships:

   • NGOs and Government Organizations: We will establish partnerships with NGOs and government organizations that are working in the SRHR space. These partners can provide funding and resources to support our work.
   • Investors and Donors: We will seek investment from impact investors who are interested in supporting innovative solutions in the SRHR space. We will also apply for grants and donations from foundations and individuals who share our mission.

4. Cost Management:

   • We will carefully manage our expenses to ensure that we are operating efficiently and maximizing our impact. This includes negotiating contracts with production companies and other service providers to get the best possible rates.

By implementing these strategies, we aim to create a sustainable business model that will allow us to continue producing and broadcasting our TV show, reaching more young people and making a greater impact in the communities we serve. Our goal is to become a self-sustaining organization that can fund its operations through revenue generated from advertising, partnerships, and other sources, without relying solely on grants and donations.