Teen pregnancy is relevant to most listeners as the radio show is geared towards youth, and 47% of the Nicaraguan population is 30 years old and younger. Also, teen pregnancy is a big issue in Nicaragua. The average teen pregnancy rate is at 30%, and even higher in some areas.
The situation was a bit unsettling, as it was I, a youngish gringa, with five youngish males in a radio studio talking about women’s rights, machismo, and condom negotiation.
Once the topic switched from teenage pregnancy to the law, things really heated up!
The DJ decided to weigh in with his opinions on the child support law, as he finds himself in the situation of having his wages garnished for child support. As expected, the conversation turned a little (or a lot) machista. “What if the women calls me all sorts of names, shouldn’t I report her to the police?” was one of the DJ’s comments. To this, Harry, the other guest speaker, gently reminded the audience that the law is meant to support children, and to not get distracted with other issues. During a song break, the DJ and Harry plotted through whispers what later unfolded on air.
DJ: in an arrogant tone and with mischief in his eyes, “Now what happens if the man is the one caring for the children? What then? Shouldn’t the woman have to pay child support?”
Harry: “Why of course!” sounding somewhat rehearsed, “In that case, the woman would then need to pay the man!”
Caressa: Noticing that these two were very proud of themselves in restoring male dominance, “Yes, this applies to the one man who actually finds himself in this situation!”
The radio show continued with minimal machista comments. However, I did manage to sneak in one other comment about teenage pregnancy before the end. I reminded everyone listening that due to this law, men are made responsible for all the chavalitos (little kids) they have around town; something to consider next time they don’t want to use a condom because, as many teenage boys have told us, contraceptives are the woman’s responsibility.
After the show the guys were all excited! They said they loved the show and enjoyed the back and forth debate-like dynamic. I was invited to come again the following Saturday! They wanted me to talk more about teen pregnancy.
So, I did.
For the second show I chose to discuss the relationship between teen pregnancy and poverty.
Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, second only to Haiti. They also have the highest teen pregnancy rate in Latin America! I mainly discussed the link between high teen pregnancy rates and chronic/generational poverty.
During my segment the guys had a lot of input, which made for great discussion and a successful show. We received many texts during the show with comments about my segment. I even got a shout out text from a girl going through our youth leadership class that was read on air!
I’m pleased to say I was invited to come back!
Speaking on the radio show is a great platform for reaching many people at once, especially those in the rural communities. Teen pregnancy rates, poverty, as well as maternal and infant mortality rates are highest in the rural communities due to lack of education, health resources, and opportunities for advancement. My hope is to educate the listeners through this radio show on important topics like teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and STIs, contraceptive methods, and available community resources. -Caressa