Developing and Broadcasting Community Radio Programs for Promoting Gender and Inclusion in the village court system.

UNDP, in partnership with the Government of Bangladesh and the European Union, is implementing the Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Phase 3 (AVCB) project to expand access to local justice for rural, poor, and vulnerable communities. Working with the Local Government Division (LGD) and the Bangladesh Community Radio Association (BCRA), the initiative supports the activation of village courts across the country, excluding the three Hill Districts.

Background of Community Radio: 19 community radio stations are broadcasting across hard-to-reach and coastal areas of Bangladesh, reaching over 8.23 million people, with 40-45% of the audience tuning in. Programs are developed in local languages, addressing community needs and national priorities. Managed by local youth, women, and social activists, these stations are vital platforms for inclusive communication. The Bangladesh Community Radio Association (BCRA) is the national coordinating body working to strengthen the community radio sector through advocacy, capacity building, networking, and partnerships with government, donors, and experts.

The specific objectives of this Project: The project aims to enhance the responsiveness of local authorities to justice needs by ensuring well-functioning village courts. It also empowers local people, especially women, the poor, and vulnerable groups-to seek justice and resolve disputes locally in a timely, transparent, and affordable way through 15 community radio stations across various districts.
The following activities are being conducted by each radio station to achieve the project goals:
2 radio dramas
1 jingle
1 public service announcement (PSA)

Area of Coverage: Under this program, 15 community radio stations are actively broadcasting in 15 districts across Bangladesh, focusing on raising awareness about local justice and the role of village courts. These stations serve as vital communication platforms in rural and remote areas, helping to bridge the information gap by delivering localized, culturally relevant content in local languages.

Results of the Project:
Awareness Raising: The project was effective in raising awareness about women’s rights and the role of Village Courts, particularly for marginalized women. It helped the participants gain a better understanding of how these courts operate and the services they can provide.
Engagement with Experts: The inclusion of experts such as District Managers, Union Parishad members, and social activists added credibility to the discussions and provided valuable insights that resonated with the audience.

Community Participation: The programs reached a significant audience, estimated at 1 million people, covering diverse groups including women, youth, indigenous communities, local leaders, and NGO representatives. This broad coverage indicates strong community engagement.
Inspiration from Personal Stories: A female panelist sharing real-life experiences greatly inspired the audience, making the discussions more relatable and impactful.
Informative Content: The topics discussed were relevant and informative, contributing to the broader goal of promoting gender equality and community justice.

Conclusion: The phone-in live programs hosted by 15 community radios have played a pivotal role in promoting awareness about Village Courts and empowering women, thereby contributing to gender inclusion in the justice system. By leveraging community radio’s unique reach, the AVCB project underscores the importance of accessible dialogue surrounding local justice. Continuous efforts to enhance participation, improve awareness, and streamline operations would be beneficial in furthering the objectives of the AVCB and achieving a more just and equitable society for all.