Access to information is important for Malian women's empowerment, and radio remains the key information source in the country, widely trusted.
But a new study shows radio programmes on women's empowerment should reflect their lives in relation to their families and communities, not independent of it. Researchers studied women-related radio programmes from 2018 to 2020, and spoke to listeners.
The study recommends not isolating women from their surrounding socio-cultural traditions. Listeners indicated that independence does not necessarily mean being on your own. For example, younger women do find it empowering to make their own decisions but none want a future without a husband.
In fact, empowerment meant making decisions about their families and supporting communities. But we need balance. Programmes did portray women as in-laws, wives, mothers - but often in secondary positions, upholding social norms. Also, programs must capture diverse perspectives of Malian women - more diversity means stronger empowerment.
Original study:
Radio in Mali can empower women by remembering they are part of a social web
Original paper: