Pakistani Women Get Their Voices Heard

Kathleen Reen Director of Uks Foundation Tasneem Ahmar, seated, with trainees.

(January 9, 2004) Women journalists in Pakistan have begun producing the country's first independent syndicated radio programs that feature women as both producers and subjects under a unique training project developed by Internews and the Uks Foundation, a Pakistani organization promoting balanced coverage of women in the media.

The radio show is called "Meri Awaz Suno" ("Hear My Voice") and has agreements to air on five of the six new independent radio stations reaching across Pakistan. A recently produced program discussed educational opportunities for girls and women in Pakistan.

Another is about HIV/AIDS and includes the first ever broadcast in Pakistan of an HIV positive person's own words and story.

The practice of suara, an old tradition that continues to this day in the Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan, is covered in a third program. Suara is the practice whereby a daughter is given away to one's enemy to end a rivalry.

Tasneem Ahmar, Director of the Uks Foundation and Executive Producer of the Uks Radio Project, has worked for many years to improve the coverage and participation of women in Pakistani media. "This project is geared towards playing an important role in changing attitudes for a positive and better future of women in Pakistan." she said.

Internews' projects in Pakistan are funded by a grant from the United States Agency for International Development.

Transcripts of the radio programs:

• Women and educational opportunities
• HIV/AIDS
• The practice of suara

Source: http://www.internews.org/news/2004/20040108_pak.html