Quarterly Volume 9
Jan - Mar 2013
Women Empowerment Campaign In the digital age, where on the one hand science and technology are at the pinnacle and the entire world is connected via internet, on the other hand, women in most pockets of India are victim of oppression and exploitation. They have to struggle through the unequal opportunities carved for them by the mixed forces of religion, culture and society. Keeping this in mind, Radio Madhuban organized a 10 day “Women Empowerment Campaign” from 1st-10th March, 2013 on the occasion of International Women’s Day for the women of Abu Road. Several village outreach programs were organized to educate and inform women. On 1st March, the home-makers of Abu Road learnt about their legal rights, on 2nd March, the womenfolk of Morthala were involved in a discussion about ‘nurturing addiction-free families’. On 4th March, a program celebrating the ‘various roles of women in the society’ was organized in the NAB Pheroze & Noshir Merwanji Rehabilitation Centre for Blind, Mount Abu. Moreover, women in Morthala were informed about the multiple advantages of education and literacy on 8th March. Another highlight of this campaign was that, every evening women from the local community, were invited in the studio to share their stories and ideas. This show served as a source of great inspiration for all the listeners. Ward Panch, Navli Kumari, is the only educated girl in Kyariya village. Her vision for the village, shaped with dynamic ideas, illustrated her confidence. A college student,
Khushboo, said that girls should be brave and strong, while an assistant manager, Ms Salima floated the idea that spiritual empowerment plays a highly significant role in the overall progress of women. Expounding upon the importance of education in life, Ms Kranti, Principal of the Govt. Primary School, Mungthala, inspired all the listeners to not only learn and grow but also encourage and help others to prosper. Ms Laxmi, ward panch, Murthal and Ms. Sudha, Head of the “Mahila Sahayak Sansthan” brought forward the idea of creating a unique identity for every individual. They avowed that every woman must be aware of her rights and duties and must not leave any stone unturned to gain what rightfully belongs to her. Two actively involved members of the ‘Jan Chetna Sansthan’, Ms. Pushpa and Ms. Chandrakanta, shared their life stories to illustrate their struggle for success. They both had to suffer due to marriage at an early age but to awaken their
sisters & mothers they joined the organization to work for women empowerment. Their experience inspired others and also elucidated the ramifications of child marriage. Apart from this, an unparalleled duo of mother-in-law, Ms Manju, and daughter-in-law, Ms Anamika shared their interesting relationship through this show. They brought into light the fact that a woman is a woman’s best friend. Therefore harmony and cooperation are vital for a balanced relation. Jayanti Didi, Director, Brahma Kumaris centers in Europe, also expressed that women should be socially informed and spiritually awakened to walk on the path to progress. The campaign increased awareness about the presence and Social services of Radio Madhuban and its projects for community upliftment among the local people. Also, a lot of women gained courage and shared their opinions and ideas about their daily problems. The outreach programs were a success with good participation.