CATALYSTS OF CHANGE: STORIES REDEFINING SOCIETAL NARRATIVES
Advocacy is a transformative force that has the potential for societal change. Cases worldwide demonstrate that resilience, innovation, and collaboration are crucial to shaping better futures. Here, we feature three such cases, which showcase Honduras’ advancements in reproductive rights, Nigeria’s environmental awareness campaign, and Chile’s progressive healthcare advocacy.
They highlight the steadfast dedication of advocates and activists who leverage technology, strategic influence, and grassroots movements to drive meaningful change.
These stories provide insights into the evolving healthcare and social landscapes, offering a deeper understanding of patient needs, concerns, and values.
Engaging with these narratives allows us to contribute positively to change and helps us redefine our brand identity to be more impactful and purposeful in healthcare. Join us on this enlightening journey as we explore stories that redefine advocacy and pave the way for a more inclusive, empowered, and promising tomorrow.
Case 1
MORNING AFTER ISLAND (HONDURAS)
Gepae: Shifting the National Dialogue and Legislation on Emergency Contraception
Brief Description
In Honduras, access to certain forms of contraception, such as the morning-after pill, has been constrained by strict laws and cultural norms. The country’s conservative
reproductive health policies, influenced by societal and religious beliefs, have historically limited or prohibited the availability of emergency contraception.
A platform was constructed off the coast to raise public awareness, advocate for policy change, and assist women facing difficulties. While on this sea platform,
Honduran women can safely and legally access the morning-after pill, deemed illegal on Honduran soil.
Known as the ‘Morning After Island,’ this platform was established by Grupo Estratégico PAE (GEPAE), a charitable organization dedicated to advocating for women’s birth control rights in the country. GEPAE also facilitated the distribution of the pill to hundreds of women in need.
Why is it significant?
The campaign initiated by Gepae not only gained momentum but transcended borders, capturing global attention. Widespread discussion and sharing of the campaign, including by social media influencers, culminated in coverage by CNN International, elevating the issue to a new level of recognition.
As a result of this amplified attention, GEPAE activists were recognized and invited to engage directly with the Honduran president. This interaction led to remarkable outcomes, notably the establishment of an entirely new Ministry of Women and the legislation proposal to safeguard the sexual, reproductive, and civil rights of millions of Honduran women.
The pinnacle of this movement’s impact came in 2023 when Honduras, under its first-ever female president, achieved a significant milestone by legalizing the morning-after pill.
The success story of Gepae showcases the power of advocacy, mobilization, and media attention in effecting substantial social and legislative change.
Case 2
THE SOOT LIFE EXPECTANCY (NIGERIA)
The Extra Step Initiative: campaign spotlights the effect of soot on the lifespan of Nigerians and pushes for changes in law
Brief Description
Soot pollution in Nigeria’s Rivers State, attributed to oil bunkering, gas flaring, and illegal refineries, has led to an alarming increase in soot levels, at times surpassing WHO guidelines by 40x. Despite its severe health impacts, national discourse has sidelined the issue.
The Soot Life Expectancy campaign launched a website (https://sootcity.com/) to raise
awareness on the impact of this pollution on the life expectancy of Rivers State residents, calculating its decline based on years spent in the area.
An extensive communication campaign encouraged individuals to explore their
recalculated life expectations. Furthermore, the website’s link to LED billboards across the country ensured that real-time updates on life expectancy were accessible to the public.
The website also automatically generated a letter on behalf of every visitor who checked their life expectancy to be sent to every one of Nigeria’s senators, each message urging them to end the soot problem.
Why is it significant?
Technology plays a pivotal role in amplifying the message and spurring collective action.
More than 42 thousand letters were sent, sparking productive discourse amongst Nigerian citizens. The topic reached #2, trending in the country.
This collective initiative raised awareness and urged political discourse and change regarding the effects of the oil industry’s byproducts on Nigerians’ life expectancy.
Addressing environmental pollution in Nigeria aimed not only to protect public health and preserve the environment but also to uphold fundamental human rights and promote sustainable development, contributing to a healthier, more prosperous future for the nation.
Case 3
LETTERS FOR A LAW (CHILE)
El Herbólogo Foundation: The Campaign visually reveals the benefits of Cannabis in Parkinson's patients in Phase IV
Brief Description
In Chile, cannabis is illegal, and its cultivation, acquisition, and consumption are considered crimes, even for patients who use cannabis for medicinal purposes.
In a clinical trial, the patients handwrote two letters describing their situations and inviting authorities to understand the issue of accessing cannabis-based medicines. The first letter was written before receiving the treatment, and the second was composed after undergoing medicinal cannabis treatment.
The entire process was recorded in a documentary showcasing different experts’ perspectives concerning medicinal cannabis treatments.
Why is it significant?
The Letters for a Law campaign achieved remarkable results, expanding awareness of the El Herbólogo Foundation and sparking interest among individuals seeking to support loved ones affected by Parkinson’s disease. With over 10,000 visits to the landing page in just three days and a staggering 100,000 views of the campaign on Instagram within a week, accompanied by an 18% growth in Instagram followers, the project’s outreach was significant.
The release of the documentary had an immediate impact, prompting the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to officially inquire about the Chilean State’s restrictions on the use of cannabis for treatment, culminating in 33,400 signatures advocating for its inclusion in the Constitution.
Beyond statistics, the campaign swiftly empowered Parkinson’s patients, providing a platform for their voices, shedding light on their struggles, and rallying support for their cause—a poignant effort aimed at restoring their dignity and amplifying their defenders’ voices. This initiative sparked legislative attention and, most importantly, gave a voice to those marginalized, shedding light on their plight and advocating for their fundamental rights.
Key Takeaways:
our cut ABBOVE
We saw
The importance of authentic engagement, innovation, and strategic partnerships in driving meaningful change and addressing pressing societal Issues.
The power of technology, strategic communication, and collaborative efforts in amplifying advocacy and driving legislative attention.
We learned that
That engaging in advocacy-driven conversations enables the building of brand narratives that cultivate a sense of purpose among consumers.
The significance of aligning with purpose-driven initiatives that transcend profit-centric motives, emphasizing the importance of advocating for societal well-being.
The impact of human-centric narratives in fostering empathy and building trust with audiences.
This encourages us
To authentically connect with our audiences, demonstrating a commitment beyond profit margins toward societal well-being and health equity.
To support causes, leverage innovative solutions, and collaborate with advocacy groups, thereby enhancing brand reputation and loyalty.
Triggers for innovating
How can we foster a more impactful and purpose-driven brand identity in healthcare?
What if our Pharma initiatives were rooted in medication and holistic wellness, nurturing mind, body, and societal health?
How might we collaborate across sectors to address broader societal issues, intertwining our purpose with societal welfare?
How can we establish initiatives that bridge the gap between healthcare access in developed and developing regions?
What if Pharma innovation wasn’t solely about new drugs but about reimagining healthcare accessibility and equity for all?
How can we facilitate forums encouraging open conversations on ethical considerations in healthcare innovation?
How might we redefine success in Pharma by measuring impact in revenue and the positive societal change we catalyze?
What if our approach to research and development prioritized not just efficacy but also affordability and global accessibility?
How might we build ecosystems that support startups and innovators, encouraging disruptive solutions for healthcare challenges?
ABBOVE TEAM