Measuring Impact of Science Communication Programmes on Women Empowerment through Community Radio

Abstract

The present investigation was in response to a felt need to understand the dynamics of radio based science and technology communication. The study gives importance on account of the fact that India and countries with comparable circumstances of SandT led development and engagement use mass media to connect with citizens. The study builds on insights published about experiences based on radio communication and raises some important questions that will help understand the following: newline(i) Is the community radio (the specific focus of the study) serving its purpose in so far as every access to information is concerned? A related question, is community radio systems respond suitably to specific information need of the listeners? newline(ii) Is it possible to document empirical evidences about the benefits of receiving messages and translating learnings into well informed actions in daily life? newline(iii) Can we expect the spread and depth of impacts as comparable across real life contexts that are served through radio-based communication? newlineThese thrusts provided the basis for the logical framework for eight mutually reinforcing research questions. The questions are: newline(i) Are science programmes merely a lingering formality only one-way communication or have they developed into long-term and mutually beneficial engagements with the women audiences? newline(ii) Whether radio science is truly interactive in terms of feedback and offers a proactive role for the audiences in programme decision-making? newline(iii) Whether frequency, timing of broadcasts, the topics selected and the formats used, and on another plane the social taboos against women, have any relation with the impact of radio science? newline(iv) Why do women get interested in a subject like mathematics? Whether the broadcasts are able to break the myth that mathematics is a fearful thing? newline(v) Whether radio science, through dissemination of science of health practices is strengthening the traditional wisdom of women on health and hygiene issues prevalent among their families and commun