The Role of Mudzi Wathu Community Radio in Socio-Economic Empowerment of Rural Women in Mchinji District, Malawi

Author(s): Wilbes W Mzumara and Dr. JS Santhosh

Abstract:

This paper presents findings of a study on the role of Mudzi Wathu Community Radio in Socio-economic empowerment of rural women in Mchinji district, central region of Malawi. A sample of 121 women from Radio Listening Clubs were selected randomly to provide quantitative data and 8 people were purposively selected to provide qualitative data for this study. Quantitative data was collected through a semi- structured questionnaire using Kobo Collect platform on Android devices. Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interview checklist. Descriptive statistical analysis was run using SPSS Software package for the quantitative data and thematic analysis was conducted for the qualitative data. The results tabulated indicate that most women belong to social and financial groups on self-initiative; assume executive roles in groups; run businesses; participate in decision making on both social and financial matters; contribute financial resources to their household needs; have knowledge of women empowerment; acknowledge Mudzi Wathu Community Radio as a source of information, education and self- development especially on matters related to SRH, Human Rights, Entrepreneurship and Gender Equality. The study established opportunities the Community Radio could harness to improve its functionality. These include the full involvement of communities in the development of programmes and engagement of more females to be part of the broadcasting team. The main challenge identified is lack of adequate technical capacity of the team to perform their duties effectively and efficiently. The study recommends among others stakeholder and partner engagement to stir the growth of the station through technical and financial support, full community participation to enhance that content and programmes indeed serve their interest and assessments by the Community Radio to check if the programmes being delivered meet the demands of the listeners.

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Pages: 53-58     |    2 View     |    0 Download