Designing Community Radio Module for Women Empowerment: an Action Research for Rural Development

Abstract

Present study was carried out in three villages, Jawaharnagar, Gokulnagar and Shantipuri no. 2 of Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand. Two phase sampling method was used. The action research design was used to meet out the objectives set forth for the study. The data were collected with the help of semi- structured interview schedule, focused group discussion and knowledge test. In first phase all the rural women (15-45 age group) were selected using census method. Thus, a total sample of 1000 respondents was selected for the purpose of study general profile and information need assessment of the rural women. In second phase, respondents were selected by using PPS (Proportionate to Population Size) sampling method. Thus, a sample of 200 respondents was selected for the purpose of assessing the knowledge level of rural women. Participatory Community radio module was developed on the basis of research findings. The module for women empowerment has been designed based on general information, need assessment and effectiveness of community radio programme. While developing the module data regarding needs of the rural women were analyzed to find the gaps to be filled through community radio module. Total eight CR modules were developed in present research investigation. Module 1: Rapport Building, Module 2: General Information and Need Assessment, Module 3: Prioritization of needs, Module 4: Development of Knowledge test, Module 5: Designing and Development of Participatory CR programme on women empowerment, Module 6: Recording and Editing of CR programme, Module 7: Broadcasting Community radio Programme, Module 8: Post Knowledge Test.