How the community radio will empower the Indigenous women

Firstly, the importance of community participation relies on one fundamental premise and purpose of community radio: to serve the community and increase participation. In the context of India, where participation of the Adivasi (indigenous) people in decision-making apparatus has historically been denied to a large majority of the tribal population, our focus will be to become a tool for opening spaces in which the voices of those who cannot participate in decision-making processes at the local, regional and national level can be heard. This is especially true for Adivasi women as they seldom participate even in Gram Sansad Meetings (Local plan development meeting organised by Local Government) held in their respective villages.

Secondly, Culture is potentially a pedagogical tool that could be applied in Human Rights Education to inform women in general and Adivasi women in particular about their rights through the use of local language and expressions as many researchers say. Hence our community radio will also include and promote the identity and culture of the Adivasi radio listeners and the local community. This includes the use of distinct music, poetry, and other artistic expressions that are part of the traditions of the community.

The change that can be envisaged: It could be safely said that women’s empowerment is a process in which women acknowledge those power relationships that oppress them and respond individually or collectively by claiming their rights. Research studies say that the use of radio as a tool for transmitting educational messages relating to HR has proven to be successful, and even contributes to the empowerment of target communities by encouraging their access and participation in radio programs. Similarly, in this case also, as expected that Adivasi women who have been discriminated against historically and whose identity has been tainted with stereotypes will participate actively in the processes mentioned above and thereby will be in a position to use the autonomous space for them to redefine and recreate their culture, as well as to inform and motivate them to take action to claim and protect their rights.