Fighting gender-based violence: Animated series starring children as key agents launched

Cartoons to be aired on TV soon.

ISLAMABAD:

To combat gender-based violence, a three dimensional (3D) animated cartoon series showing children in proactive roles was launched on Monday to disseminate the message that even youngsters can act as change agents.

The cartoon series “Mein aur meray dost” (me and my friends) features three friends Faiz, Shiraz and Hadia studying in middle school who try their best to bring their classmate Aliya out of her shell. Even when she is bullied by classmates, the three stand up for her, but are confused by her introvert nature. When they realise that the reason for her lack of confidence is due to her father’s tyrannical attitude and constant scolding, they decide to take matters into their own hands and encourage her to take part in a speech competition which makes her father proud and realise his daughter’s potential.

The animated series that seems to touch upon all forms of gender-based violence. Soon to air on local TV channels, the cartoons created by the Creative Village team portray dark issues in a way that is not overpowering for children, while being entertaining and informative. Some light moments included in the cartoon by digressing from the story had many children in the audience giggling away.

“Gender-based violence is not restricted to a particular area, it’s a global issue. Studies show that children are not only targets of violence but also combatants of violence. It starts with you, it starts with your families,”. said US Deputy of Mission Richard Hoagland.

Voice-over artists for the cartoon characters were presented with shields and applauded by the guests. When asked about his experience during the cartoon’s dubbing, the youngest voiceover artist Ali Asim  candidly said, “It was very difficult for me, but I’m happy my school will be proud of me.”

“It was basically because of her father’s lack that Aliya felt dejected,” said Shahbaz, 7,  from Pehli Kiran School, who had come along with his classmates to watch the cartoon.

The cartoon series was produced under the Gender Equity Programme of Aurat Foundation, funded by USAID. Aurat Foundation Chief Operating Officer Naeem Mirza said, “Children are far more impressionable as compared to adults, it’s increasingly important to focus on them in order to achieve a significant change in attitudes.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 4^th, 2012.