Call for Papers
The University of Zimbabwe hosts a mega International Conference on:
“Media, Nation-Building and Communication for development in Africa”
Proposed Dates: 2-4th August 2017
Venue: University of Zimbabwe, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
Background
This conference brings together academics, policy-makers and media practitioners to share perspectives on the use of Media in developmental processes in most African communities. Following the devastating effects of the World War 2, the reconstruction period at the end of the Second World War gave birth to developmental theories and approaches aimed at accelerating development processes. Communication for development seeks toposition the Media and Literature as both catalysts and vehicles for socio-economic, cultural and political development, as well as socio-economic stability. However, there is need for more participatory approaches to development as this would muster voices from the “margins” with the hope of amplifying the“voice” of marginalised populations, and foster accelerated inclusive social change. Now more than ever, the notion of communication for development resonates with the contemporary world characterised by recessions, rising levels of grim poverty especially among marginalised communities in the Global South, inequality, conflicts, disease etc. Other incessant challenges include the AIDS pandemic,climate change and global warming,migration, corruption,child and women trafficking, child prostitution, pornography, false prophets, environmental and water pollution, gender violence, among others. What role can the media and Literature play in this milieu of challenges?