Community Radio and the promotion of gender equality. A case study of Nyabihoko Sub-County, Ntungamo District
One of the primary roles played by media within communities is fostering unity among people and society as a whole.Community radio serves as a crucial tool in achieving this objective. It is widely acknowledged that communitymedia can encompass various aspects, such as shared interests, locality, and cultural identity. This study focuses onthe intersection of community radio and women's empowerment, examining how community media uniquelychallenges discriminatory traditions and empowers women. Drawing on multiple development paradigms andfeminist theories, the research investigates the extent to which community radio stations contribute to promotinggender equality. The study employs a case study approach in Nyabihoko sub-county, Ntungamo district, Uganda.Utilizing a mixed-methods design, data was gathered from various stakeholders, including clan elders, religiousleaders, local council representatives, community-based organizations, and youth, through surveys and qualitativeinterviews. The research revealed that community radio plays a significant role in enhancing women'sempowerment, serving as a vital catalyst for positive change. The findings demonstrate that community radiosupport significantly contributes to bolstering women's empowerment. After analyzing the collected data, includingmean and standard deviation calculations, it became evident that there exists a notable relationship between women'sempowerment and gender equality. These findings shed light on the strategies and mechanisms employed bycommunity radio to address gender disparities within the local context. They offer valuable insights forpolicymakers, media practitioners, and development institutions seeking to leverage the potential of communitymedia for social transformation and empowerment