Emotional demonstrations (emo-demos) are used in behaviour-centred design to trigger behaviour changes, such as handwashing with soap, by creating disgust and shame.
Through the Sustainable Sanitation and Hygiene For All (SSH4A) programme, vaccination centres in villages were found to be an ideal place to raise awareness of the importance of washing hands with soap among pregnant women, mothers and caregivers.
Mothers are typically the main caregivers of children and tend to have a high sense of nurture (desire to care for one’s offspring). If a triggering session focuses on the importance of mothers and other caregivers washing their hands with soap for the benefit of their child’s health, it is highly likely they will be motivated to change their behaviours.
This case study presents the emo-demo for triggering behaviour changes at vaccination centres. It provides practical information for implementing an emo-demo of this kind, and a brief discussion on the remaining challenges and lessons learned by the SNV team and their partners on the ground.
