Radio Sampark 89.6 MHz, an
initiative of People’s Cultural Centre (PECUC), was launched on December 26,
2021, with the aim of raising awareness and educating the community on key
social issues affecting daily life. Beyond promoting local culture, values, and
talents, the community radio station serves a diverse audience, including
children, older persons, youth, women, and farmers. One of Radio Sampark’s most
impactful contributions is its role in combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
and domestic violence in its operational area, Nischintakoili block of Cuttack
district. By leveraging radio as a tool for awareness and empowerment, the
station has become a powerful catalyst for social change.
Community radio is a powerful medium
that plays a crucial role in addressing gender discrimination and GBV by
providing a platform for dialogue, awareness, and collective action. It reaches
marginalized and rural populations who often lack access to mainstream media
and formal education on gender issues. Radio Sampark harnesses the strength of
community-based communication by featuring real-life stories and survivor
testimonies. The station helps destigmatize discussions on GBV and encourages
women to share their experiences without fear or shame.Regular programs discuss
harmful gender stereotypes, cultural taboos, and misconceptions, fostering a
progressive shift in societal attitudes.Many rural women are unaware of legal
protections, helplines, and support systems. Through informative radio
segments, they gain critical knowledge about their rights and available
services.To create long-lasting change, it is essential to involve men and boys
in conversations about gender equality. The station broadcasts content that
encourages men to take an active role in preventing violence and supporting
gender equity.
When Radio Sampark was first
established, it faced significant challenges in recruiting female candidates
for training and station operations. Initially, there were no suitable female
applicants for the training program in Delhi by SMART. However, in just four
years, the situation has transformed—today, 8 women are working at the station,
and many others are volunteering at the village level, actively contributing to
the station’s initiatives.
Recognizing the urgent need to
address GBV, Radio Sampark launched the "Gender-Based Violence" programme
in 2022, followed by "Hinsa Ku Na" in 2023 in collaboration with
SMART. These programmes aim to educate the community on GBV and domestic
violence, provide information on support services available for survivors, encourage
survivors to speak up and seek help.
As part of these initiatives, Nari
Shakti Women Groups were formed in different villages, with each group
consisting of 20 women members. These groups hold regular weekly meetings, and
members undergo training based on a specially designed module. So far, 11 Nari
Shakti Mahila Groups have been established, forming a strong network of 257
women.
At the outset, conducting meetings
on GBV was challenging. Many people in the community misunderstood the purpose
of these groups and even discouraged women from joining. However, over time,
mindsets began to shift.
Women gradually became aware of the
various forms of violence they might face, how GBV impacts families and
communities, their legal rights and available support systems.
With increased confidence, members
began engaging in discussions, sharing personal experiences, and reporting
cases of violence. Many women now recognize the positive impact these groups
have on their lives.
To further extend awareness, special
radio programs on gender and GBV were broadcasted on Radio Sampark 89.6 MHz.
These programs were narrowcasted in communities, schools, and colleges to educate
young minds, break societal barriers and
drive long-term behavioral change.
Outreach activities such as
door-to-door visits, awareness campaigns at village fairs and functions, and
interactive sessions in marketplaces have helped spread the message to a larger
audience.
As a result of these interventions, 31
cases of violence have been reported, many of which were successfully resolved
through mutual understanding.Women have gained crucial information about:Sakhi
One Stop Centres ,Women’s helpline numbers ,The Protection Officer ,The
Domestic Violence (DV) Act and its provisions ,Shifting Mindsets and Breaking
Gender Stereotypes.
Beyond increasing reporting of GBV
cases, these initiatives are also challenging deep-rooted gender norms and
stereotypes that have long restricted women’s and girls’ potential.
As shared by Padmavati Behera, a member
of the Nari Shakti Women Group:"One of the most valuable lessons we’ve
learned is that no one is inferior—boys and girls are equal. This realization
was deeply personal for me. I had always known it in my heart but never had the
confidence to say it out loud. Before joining the group, I unknowingly favored
my son over my daughter. But after gaining awareness, I started treating them
both with equal love and care. Now, I also teach other women in our group about
gender equality. Change takes time, but I can already see the transformation
happening."
The Road Ahead: Sustaining Change
for a Violence-Free Society, bringing about a shift in mindset, challenging
gender stereotypes, and preventing GBV requires: Long-term interventions, continuous
awareness programs & sustained education efforts
Social change is a gradual process,
but meaningful transformation takes time. Over the past four years, Radio
Sampark has played a crucial role in sparking change—a change that might have
otherwise remained unnoticed.
More women now recognize their right
to speak up against injustice, both within their families and in society. They
are also becoming aware of their right to make decisions that directly impact
their lives. Through its dedicated programs and community engagement efforts,
Radio Sampark continues to build a strong foundation for a more just, equal,
and violence-free society.
Ms. Anuradha Mohanty,
Executive Director, PECUC
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