Established in 1989, Africa Network for Integrated Development (RADI) employs female paralegals and well-known actors to demystify laws around violence against women by using educational theater routines.  RADI first recognized the need for legal education following national civil law reform in 1999 that gave recourse to vulnerable people (i.e., women and children).  The tactic involves role-play activities that focus on real-life situations and highlight the dynamics of family violence. After the theater sketches, the paralegal presents participants with new changes in civil rights law and alternative behaviors to address violence against women.  The actors, on the other hand, creatively develop dialogue, plot and presentation. Women who have attended these performances go back into their communities and homes and share new information about their legal rights with others.  In particular, many women promote the sketches by word of mouth, noting the fun and creativity experienced by working with well-known actors.

Related New Tactics Resources

Related Tactical Notebooks: 

Using Popular Theater to Break the Silence Around Violence Against Women