Research conducted in Tanzania, East Africa, confirms that Twende na Wakati (Let’s Go With the Times), a radio soap opera produced by Population Communications International, had measurable effects on listeners’ adoption of contraceptive methods.
The independent field study analyzed data from over 5,000 personal interviews. Researchers found that listening to the drama–on the air since 1994–empowered Tanzanians to make conscious decisions about family size; and increased the ideal age at marriage for women, general approval of contraceptive use, spousal communication about family planning, and the active practice of family planning.
Data from 79 family planning clinics show that Twende na Wakati increased both new and continuing family planning visits, with direct evidence that the soap opera was the source of approximately 25% of all new clients.
Judica Losai, sound engineer for the drama, recently visited PCI’s headquarters in New York. She spoke with Patrice Newman, PCI communications Manager:
Patrice: Judica, what are your main responsibilities on the show?
Judica: I edit dialogue and spend a lot of time on sound mixing, including street scenes, "cliffhanger" effects, and music cues. The actors only have one rehearsal before taping each episode, and I am always thrilled when their performances and the sound come together and bring the drama to life.
P: Have you worked on other radio soap operas?
J: Twende na Wakati is currently the only soap opera in Tanzania. I have worked on many other kinds of programming at Radio Tanzania, but now all my interest is in this kind of theater!
P: Twende na Wakati has been on the air since 1994. What’s happening now in the story?
J: Well, Mkwaju [a main character, husband] is dying of AIDS. Mkwaju’s behavior–constantly having affairs and not supporting his wife and children–has undermined the family. Having ignored all advice to use condoms, he may have infected his wife, Tunu. At this point in the story, she has gotten up the courage to leave him. She has struggled a lot but is doing better, working as a secretary and making a good home for her children.
P: How does Tunu’s life compare to the situation in general for women in Tanzania?
J: Many Tanzanian women work, often in schools, restaurants–even broadcasting! So this part of Tunu’s life is not uncommon, though her economic independence, along with that of several other characters, is deliberately emphasized in our scripts.
P: Does the soap opera accurately reflect Tanzanian life in general?
J: The extremes of this drama may be beyond what most people experience. But we know that similar struggles come up in people’s lives. The point of Twende na Wakati is to help people avoid such problems–to make positive choices on many levels. I think we’re doing a good job.
