Environmental Defenders Empowers Women in the Albertine Rift Region with Radios and a Platform for their Voices

Environmental Defenders, a leading organization promoting human rights, environmental conservation, and poverty reduction in the Albertine Rift region, celebrated International Women’s Day 2024 in a truly impactful way. Partnering with their radio branch, Terra FM, the organization distributed 40 radios to women listeners, amplifying female voices and fostering empowerment.

Recognizing the power of communication and access to information, Environmental Defenders established Terra FM 95.0 and Terra FM 97.0, reaching over 15 million people across Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These stations provide vital information on a range of topics, from environmental conservation to human rights, and play a crucial role in empowering communities.

To commemorate International Women’s Day, themed “Investing in women: picking up the pace,” Terra FM launched a special quiz, awarding 40 radios to women who correctly answered questions aired on various programs. This initiative, running from March 4th to March 8th, aimed to increase women’s engagement with the station and provide them with a valuable tool for accessing information.

“Throughout March, our programming focuses on women’s issues, creating a dedicated media space for them to advocate for their rights,” stated a representative from Environmental Defenders. This commitment to amplifying women’s voices aligns with the organization’s broader mission of promoting gender equality and empowering women in the Albertine Rift region.

This year’s International Women’s Day held particular significance, acknowledging the plight of women in the eastern DRC who have faced unimaginable hardship and violence. The distribution of radios takes on added meaning in this context, providing a lifeline of information and connection for women in a region grappling with conflict and displacement.

Environmental Defenders’ dedication to empowering women through access to information and a platform for their voices exemplifies the organization’s commitment to creating a more just and equitable society. By providing women with the tools and knowledge to advocate for themselves and their communities, Environmental Defenders recognizes the power of grassroots activism. Community radio, in particular, plays a vital role in this process, serving as a powerful tool for mobilization, education, and amplifying marginalized voices. Through Terra FM, Environmental Defenders is ensuring that women in the Albertine Rift region have the opportunity to be heard, to learn, and to actively participate in shaping a brighter future for themselves and generations to come.