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 cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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Published 15 years ago
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Sisters on the Planet

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This campaign, created by Oxfam Australia, tells the stories of 6 women from different parts of the globe who are leading the response to climate change in their communities. While acknowledging that climate change affects women the most – particularly those living in developing countries - Oxfam hopes to show how women are fighting back, often leading the response to the climate crisis in their communities. By documenting and disseminating their experiences and encouraging people to follow their examples of courage, tenacity, and inspiration, Oxfam seeks to offer hope in the face of increasingly bleak climate predictions - and, most importantly, to spark action.
Communication Strategies

The core strategy of this awareness initiative is to inspire those who are overwhelmed by the challenges associated with climate change by sharing the strategies of individual women taking action within their communities. The campaign materials - shared on a dedicated portion of the Oxfam Australia website - provide motivation and direction for those not knowing where to start. Would-be campaigners are assured that "We can all become Sisters on the Planet. We can start to make changes in our lives and raise our voice at home, at work and in the community. Sisters on the Planet shows what can happen when you get involved in your community; when you start talking to and educating people about climate change; and when you put pressure on our leaders to take action."

 

Specifically, visitors to the Sisters on the Planet site can learn ways to use the campaign film and booklet to communicate ideas for change to others. For instance, people are encouraged to organise a morning tea or lunchtime at work - or any other public place - at which the Sisters DVD is screened. "Once you've shown the DVD at work, set about reducing your workplace’s carbon footprint". Other action alternatives include following the lead of one of the women profiled in Sisters: a teacher who feels that her job is to make children aware of climate change issues and to empower them to do something. (Melissa's lessons have included writing to a local Minister of Parliament; she explains: "It's not to make them think: 'Oh this is awful', but to make them see they can have a voice, they can be powerful, and they can make a difference.") Oxfam also encourages people to "Turn your mum, brother, your best friend or your sister into a Sister. Make a film showing how the people you know are changing their own lives. Send it our way and you co[u]ld end up inspiring others to act."

 

Other materials available as part of Oxfam Australia's climate change work may also be freely integrated into Sister campaigners' efforts. These resources include statistics, case studies, images and sound, reports, e-cards, and forms facilitating direct communication with Australian MPs. Click here for access.

Development Issues

Gender, Women, Environment.

Sources

Development Gateway (DG) Communities, Gender and Development; and Sisters on the Planet site.

Teaser Image
http://www.oxfam.org.au/campaigns/climate-change/take-action/sisters-on-the-planet/images/OXF1463-SOTP-PROP-POS-HRFA-140.gif