Research Article Open Access

Community Radio in Breaking the Silence of Gender-Based Violence in Tanzania: An analysis of Sengerema Community Radio

Abstract

Gender-based violence is a grave violation of human dignity that significantly impacts millions of individuals worldwide, with Sub-Saharan Africa facing severe challenges. This paper examined the effectiveness of Sengerema community radio in addressing gender-based violence within Tanzania. The research specifically investigates the level of community engagement in radio-based dialogues regarding gender-based violence. Employing a mixed-methods approach and descriptive research design, data was gathered from a sample of 204 community members surveyed across five wards of the Sengerema district. Additionally, interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with radio program producers and editors. The findings reveal that only 40% of community members actively participate in radio programs focused on gender-based violence, with men displaying higher levels of engagement compared to women. While the radio has contributed to positive shifts in attitudes towards gender-based violence, its capacity to expose and effectively address this issue through programming remains limited. The study identifies several challenges faced by the radio station in its endeavours to tackle gender-based violence, including financial constraints, inadequate support from politicians and local government leaders, deeply entrenched cultural practices, and unfavourable program scheduling. To enhance the radio’s effectiveness in addressing gender-based violence, the study recommends increasing the number of programs dedicated to this issue, involving local government leaders in broadcasting plans, and scheduling programs at times when they are accessible to a larger portion of the community

Dianus Josephat Ishengoma*

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