The purpose of the Citizens’ Platform for Democratic Debates & Dialogues in Afghanistan was to promote democratic values and human rights in the Afghan context. [3]
Problems and Purpose
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Between November 1, 2010 and December 31, 2011, the Saba Media Organization (SMO) conducted a 14-month project called the "Citizens' Platform for Democratic Debates & Dialogues in Afghanistan." The project addressed the lack of understanding of democratic values and human rights in the Afghan context. The project focused on deepening the understanding of democratic values among Afghan people, particularly among women and other marginalized or vulnerable groups in rural areas. The project researched five pillars of democratic values in international and Afghan contexts. It also involved disseminating educational programs to raise awareness and establishing a media platform for debates. Project efforts and activities were carried out across four areas to produce tangible results.
Along with insurgent activities, conservative groups in Afghan society also voiced their opposition to foreign ideas that they believed could threaten their way of life. Particularly in rural and less educated communities, the general understanding of democracy and democratic values was significantly influenced by local leaders, hostility towards the West, resentment towards the ongoing war and challenging economic circumstances, and apprehension towards immoral behaviour and excess freedom, particularly for women and young people.[i] [1]
[i] The United Nations Democracy fund. (2014). Evaluation report. Citizens’ Platform for Democratic Debates & Dialogues in Afghanistan. https://www.undeflessonslearned.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/UDF-AFG-09-316-ER-1.pdf
Background History and Context
After the 9/11 attacks, efforts were made to combat terrorism and drug trafficking in Afghanistan. Later, the focus shifted towards larger projects that aimed to provide essential public services in the country. This shift led to an increase in the number of Afghan non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) that engaged in local projects. From 2001 to 2008, the United States and the European Union were the leading external funders of local media initiatives in Afghanistan. These initiatives were aimed at increasing awareness among the population about political and social processes, such as democratic values, election roles and responsibilities.
Saba Media Organization (SMO) was founded in 1997 as a non-profit media organization with a cultural and social focus. Its mission was to promote sustainable development in Afghan society by educating and raising awareness among citizens, aiming to create a peaceful, united, and stable society. SMO was created to support and strengthen free media initiatives in Afghanistan by developing their capacities and ensuring their sustainability.
SMO conducted the project, and the decision to use the radio in rural areas and remote districts for media dissemination was very appropriate and effective. Despite the weak project design, SMO's strategy to directly target people who might be uninformed or resistant to democratic ideas due to misconceptions was sensible and relevant.[i] [2]
[i] Asia Pacific broadcasting Union. Saba Media Organization (SMO). https://www.abu.org.my/portfolio-item/smo/
Organizing, Supporting, and Funding Entities
Saba Media Organization (SMO) conducted the project funded by the United Nations Democracy Fund between November 1, 2010 and December 31, 2011.[i][1]
[i] The United Nations Democracy fund. (2014). Evaluation report. Citizens’ Platform for Democratic Debates & Dialogues in Afghanistan. https://www.undeflessonslearned.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/UDF-AFG-09-316-ER-1.pdf
Participant Recruitment and Selection
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Methods and Tools Used
The Saba Media Organization (SMO) was a media network operated through television, radio, and print. Its primary focus was to produce content that promotes constructive dialogue between citizens and the Afghan government. SMO also joined an Independent Media Consortium, which aims to strengthen the voice of Afghan media in national discourse. The project team consisted of one person in each role: project manager, legal researcher, debate organizer, production manager, TV manager, radio manager, and head of finance and administration. The delivery of each show followed a standard sequence, starting with research, then production, TV broadcast, radio broadcast, debates, and advocacy recommendations. The research team was given two days to identify the specific topic material needed for the show, followed by one day to read and document relevant findings. The document was then peer-reviewed by additional experts from Kabul University. The production and program teams identified the interviewees for the discussion show, the sequence of the show’s content, and the question structures for each issue.[i] [1]
[i] The United Nations Democracy fund. (2014). Evaluation report. Citizens’ Platform for Democratic Debates & Dialogues in Afghanistan. https://www.undeflessonslearned.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/UDF-AFG-09-316-ER-1.pdf
What Went On: Process, Interaction, and Participation
The Saba Media Organization (SMO) was responsible for designing and implementing a project in Afghanistan. The main aim of the project was to increase the Afghan people's understanding of democratic values and to conduct research on democratic norms both internationally and in an Afghan context. To achieve this, awareness-raising programs were disseminated, including vox pops, expert interviews, and messages through radio and TV. Additionally, a media platform was established through organizing live debates and providing a set of recommendations for the application of democratic values in Afghanistan. The target audience included 600,000 local viewers of Saba TV, one million listeners of Nawa radio (50% of total listeners) in 21 provinces of Afghanistan, and 10,000 global audiences through the Saba website.[i]
After successfully broadcasting all 20 shows on TV and radio, ten debates were held in schools with participation from members of parliament, activists, and civil society representatives. These debates were also broadcasted through television and radio outlets. [1]
[i] The United Nations Democracy fund. (2014). Evaluation report. Citizens’ Platform for Democratic Debates & Dialogues in Afghanistan. https://www.undeflessonslearned.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/UDF-AFG-09-316-ER-1.pdf
Influence, Outcomes, and Effects
The project aimed to raise awareness about democracy among people with basic knowledge about it. However, the organization responsible for the project did not focus on reaching out to those who needed this education the most. They expected that increased awareness about democratic issues would help change anti-Western or resistant minds.
The project had weak stakeholder mapping, as many show interviewees, debate participants, and audience members participated in more than one show. Some debate participants reported that the language used was too technical and theoretical for the average person to understand. Analysis of the project's materials confirms that in some areas, Western-oriented democratic terminology and usage likely to be too abstract or insufficiently explained was used.
The project did not adequately consider that many targeted beneficiaries had little education and exposure to ideas beyond their culture, religion, or location. However, most of the project's shows explained basic democratic issues fairly comprehensively, and the use of specialized language or reference terms limited audience impact to those who may have already had some knowledge or an existing deep interest in democracy.
SMO has established its own unique position by frequently inviting civil society representatives to participate in debates and targeting CSOs for polls or advocacy purposes, providing them with a platform to express their opinions and present their positions. The project dedicated several programs to civil society's role in democracy. With the diversification of the media sector since 2001, people have learned to compare and criticize different information sources and public policies. Civic education has motivated some citizens to be more inquisitive, vocal, and willing to participate in governance. SMO materials have increased awareness and education on specific democratic issues, which are of particular value for women who otherwise have limited access to education and the public sphere.
SMO used project funding to procure books and research materials and develop advocacy material, but it needed a solid strategy to clearly define impacts and focus on them. Staff departures after the project ended drained some of the capacity developed throughout the project cycle.
The following are the intended outcomes:
- Production of 20 research studies to increase the available information and recommendations for advocacy groups and activities.
- Broadcasting of 20 TV/radio programs and one debate to increase the information on democratic pillars and values available to Afghan citizens, especially women and vulnerable or marginalized populations, particularly in rural areas.
- Setting up a website to collect audience views/opinions and formulate a set of recommendations for the application of democratic values to increase the capacity of viewers/listeners to engage constructively and effectively in democratic dialogues and processes.
- Strengthening participation in democratic processes.[i][1]
[i] The United Nations Democracy fund. (2014). Evaluation report. Citizens’ Platform for Democratic Debates & Dialogues in Afghanistan. https://www.undeflessonslearned.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/UDF-AFG-09-316-ER-1.pdf
Analysis and Lessons Learned
The departure of staff after the project in Afghanistan ended resulted in losing the experience and knowledge gained during the project cycle. Mistakes and gaps were not identified and corrected during the review process, indicating poor organizational arrangements. Low-quality research materials were approved, leading to suboptimal performance by moderators and participants. This, in turn, reduced the efficiency and impact of democratic debates in Afghanistan. The grantee did not have any internal control or assessment mechanisms to measure progress or impact on desired social change. Although the project received emails and phone calls from the audience with suggestions for show material, these were not analyzed or incorporated into a review of the program's effectiveness with respect to organizational or project objectives.[i][3]
[i] UNDEF. (2011) Citizens’ Platform for Democratic Debates & Dialogues in Afghanistan. Official website: https://www.undeflessonslearned.org/projects/citizens-platform-for-democratic-debates-dialogues-in-afghanistan/
See Also
https://www.sabacent.org/en/programs?page=2
References
[1] The United Nations Democracy fund. (2014). Evaluation report. Citizens’ Platform for Democratic Debates & Dialogues in Afghanistan. https://www.undeflessonslearned.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/UDF-AFG-09-316-ER-1.pdf
[2] Asia Pacific broadcasting Union. Saba Media Organization (SMO). https://www.abu.org.my/portfolio-item/smo/
[3] UNDEF. (2011) Citizens’ Platform for Democratic Debates & Dialogues in Afghanistan. Official website: https://www.undeflessonslearned.org/projects/citizens-platform-for-democratic-debates-dialogues-in-afghanistan/