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Community Radio Station Empowers Women in Indian District

Anjana Pasricha

   NEW DELHI - When 21-year-oldFareenwelcomes listeners to Radio Mewat,
   thousands of women tune in to programs that focus on women's issues,
   especially one on domestic violence.

   This young radio announceris a rare exception in the Muslim-dominated,
   patriarchal villages that dot Mewat district in northern India, where
   women are not allowed to work, be seen with men or even be heard. It
   took months for her to overcome her family's resistance and join the
   community radio station.
   "The villagers told them, 'Whyare you notmarrying your daughter? She is
   so old. Who will marry her if she takes a job?' " she recalled. "My
   parents questioned how I could possibly work alongside men."

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