Tradition Doesn't Rhyme with Prevention — Morocco, 2005
Anon, ALCA Association de lutte contre le sida
This is a good example of a simple solution aimed at addressing a complex taboo subject present within a traditional religious culture. Henna is used to adorn young women's bodies as part of social and holiday celebrations. Henna hands generally symbolize wedding although most young girls and women also decorate their hands in a similar fashion and pattern for other religious festive days. The henna designed hands shown in this poster signify both sex and marriage. The playful manner in which the hands hold the condom conveys happiness and health. Its target audience of male and female Moroccan young adults can easily decode this message without offending their traditionalist cultural sensibility. The symbolism is an effective way of addressing safe sex within the context of marriage.
