ARE YOU OK? 

United Nations Global Communications

A RADIO DRAMA AND TALK SHOW TO EASE THE STIGMA AROUND MENTAL HEALTH FOR WOMEN FLEEING WAR

Many of us struggled with mental health during the pandemic. But for Syrian women in Gaziantep the stigma - plus a lack access to information - meant they were suffering unsupported.

Are U Ok? is an 8 part radio series created with Rozana FM. Broadcast live on air, and streaming with visuals online, each 30 minute talk show featured a drama based on our interviews with women (with art and animation by Syrian artists), allowing guests to discuss mental health topics, while listeners could call in and chat online.

Resulting in a vital safe space for women to talk and learn about mental health from peers and professionals, meeting a hard to reach audience with resources. And ultimately moving the needle on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour, with a 16% uplift in people knowing the location of mental health centres in the area, and a 15% uplift in people saying they could support someone with an issue.

Split-screen showing a woman in a radio studio with headphones speaking into a microphone on the left, and a woman in a white hijab sitting in front of a plain wall on the right.
A woman wearing a hijab and headphones speaking into a microphone on a radio show or podcast, with a man listening and recording via earphones in a separate frame.
An illustration of a wedding celebration with a bride and groom surrounded by family and friends, with floral decorations and a pink background.
Illustration of five people sitting on a subway train, all wearing face masks, with some using their phones and others sitting quietly.
Animated scene of a man and woman lying in bed, both appearing to be awake and looking distressed or tired, with nightstands on either side.
Animated illustration of a man and woman with luggage, both wearing masks at an airport.
A person lying in a hospital bed wearing a face mask, with an oxygen tube connected, in a hospital room with a bedside table holding tissues, a water bottle, and a small cup.
An animated illustration of a woman wearing a face mask, standing outdoors at night, crossing her arms over her chest, looking upward with a worried expression, with trees and buildings in the background and snow falling.

 Purpose / Rozana FM / Khaled Alharbash Motion Design / Yaser Cartoonist