By Jon Hargreaves

“Gender inequality exists throughout Kenya, but it’s particularly bad in this part of the country,” says Harriet Atyang, the manager of HCR partner station Amani FM in Tana River. In many situations Harriet says women are subjected to abuse and violence, but it is rarely reported, as it seen as a cultural norm.

Recounting a story where one young girl was given by her parents to an old man, Harriet said, “A woman is often seen as a man’s property. Many men see the role of women is purely to give birth and look after the home, but they don’t have a voice and are left out of decision-making.”

It is for that reason that Amani FM has many programmes to promote change like “Jamvi la mwanamke jasiri”, or ‘Carpet Talk’. The idea is that the carpet is a place where people can sit and feel comfortable and confident to share their concerns. By airing women’s stories, Amani FM is starting a community conversation and they find that men are engaging positively with the issue too. With the help of other Non-Government Organisations and counselling services, the station is helping women to find help and making the community aware of their rights.

“Judging by the number of calls we are getting to the programmes, we are having an effect. Many are calling in and really opening up with their personal stories,” says Harriet. “It is going to take time, but however long it takes, we are going to keeping working with communities and other stakeholders to bring about the change that is needed.”

Harriet and Esther from Amani FM interview community members.