Relevance of the project to the respective Action Line

The project addresses the Action Line C 9 (Media). Community Radio as an alternative media serves as the voice of the voiceless people and upholds the right of freedom of expression, as described in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Although new as a media, but it has started to vibrate! Community Radio has created scope for the poor and marginalized community to raise their own voice for the voiceless. This neo-media outlet opened scope to establish their rights of information and communication in social, political, cultural and environmental arena. Interfacing with mobile handsets community radio quickly (without the help of other medium) transmits to millions of people, which ensures broader and expanded role of ICTs that can enhance media’s contribution to fulfilling the post-2015 Sustainable Development Agenda.

By creating opportunities for rural young women in media and journalism, it, particularly encourages the equal opportunities for men and women in media. With the youth male, Young female journalists are sharing the positions of producers, anchors, newscasters, reporters and station managers of the 16 community radio stations.

The fellows explore mainly the struggle and vulnerability of local women and children which have drawn attention of mass audiences and policy makers at their local level. Development Journalism of this kind will contribute in reducing social discrimination, accelerate women empowerment and also increase the number of young women professionals in community media sector. Presently, nearly five hundred young women professionals are working with 16 community radio stations of the country. This fellowship program will help them to work more skillfully for the larger groups of women and children community.

In the long run, these trained young women fellows will be developed as brand ambassadors of community media, form networks and thus women leadership will be established at local media sector of Bangladesh.