NUKU'ALOFA: The office Ma'afafine moe Famili, home of the "1325" media and policy network in Tonga, is the venue of the first women-led Community Radio Consultation commencing today, in conjunction with Fiji-based partners Femlinkpacific.
It is envisaged the consultation will pave the way for the establishment of a 100 watt "suitcase radio station" in a few months time to be hosted by Ma'afafine, with the support of the Canada Fund, paving the way for a strengthened women's community media network in the Pacific, grounded in the "1325" network's commitment to enhancing women's participation in sustainable development, conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
"It is amplifying women's efforts to communicate a culture of peace - from the home to within our communities and up to the policy table," says long-time women's rights campaigner Betty Blake, director of Ma'afafine.
The consultation today will learn from the community radio experience of Femlinkpacific which first launched its community radio station on 5 May 2004.
It will also be an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of community media, as well as contribute ideas for the development of a station "mission" and programme ideas.
"The sustainability of community radio is more than about the technical operations, it is about building a community around the radio station - from the producers and broadcasters to the groups and individuals who will contribute their stories and issues, it is about a community of people coming together for a common purpose that is to empower women, young people and men to be part of a broader decision making process through their own information and communication channel," says Femlinkpacific executive director Sharon Bhagwan Rolls. - Ma'afafine/Pacific Media Watch
Pacific Media Watch
