64%
Rate of illiteracy among women in rural communities in Sierra Leone
MMW takes consistent and reliable information directly to rural listeners through podcast programming using innovative distribution methods. Our professional female journalists identify issues critical to local communities, interview experts to build knowledge, and deliver solutions.
Content is locally driven and covers a wide range of topics such as human trafficking, climate change, land rights, and FGM, as well as current news, dispelling myths and dis-information, and practical information such as how to get a birth certificate.
With a field staff of 75 locally hired advocates, our Town Criers cover over 100 communities each week on foot, accessing hard-to-reach villages where listeners come out to hear MMW programs. Youth Advocates reach specialized areas such as very remote groups of homes, schools, centers for the blind, HIV/AIDs communities, and women’s correctional facilities. Focal points host Listening Centers and interact with radio stations to ensure that podcasts are broadcast on schedule, and they are also the collection point for data and listeners.
In addition, MMW produces Mamie and Omo, our popular radio drama that demonstrates how listening to and respecting opposing viewpoints can lead to greater understanding and amicable resolution of everyday problems. Through support from our corporate partner, Africell, we reach communities nationwide on local and national radio broadcasts.
