In March, Radio Ramogi in Kenya committed to airing family planning stories once every month to its four million listeners, as part of its role in amplifying women issues.
The family planning segment will air within the radio station’s “Women’s Voice” program every Saturday. “Women’s Voice” is a popular talk show that discusses a range of topical issues including culture, health, politics, and society. In a meeting on March 9 with the media advocacy coordinator of Advance Family Planning local partner Jhpiego, station editor Charles Odhiambo and “Women’s Voice” producer Josephine Sirega committed to airing monthly features that link family planning to development. Each story will be followed up with live discussions that connect listeners with experts in studio to expound on the subject.
The show’s time slot (9:00 -11:00 a.m. EAT) is considered prime time, as a majority of the station’s listeners (most of whom are women) are said to have better access to a radio at the time.
Not only will the segment foster a larger conversation on the need for counties to invest in modern contraception, but it will also open up space for women to participate in matters affecting them and help them make informed family planning decisions.
Ramogi FM is the leading station in Kenya for Dholuo speakers. The station reaches Dholuo speakers in the counties of Homa Bay, Kisumu, Migori, and Siaya counties. Jhpiego has an advocacy presence in all but Kisumu county.
Radio Ramogi becomes the third station to commit to airing family planning stories at their own cost, after Radio Ranet and Radia Kaya made commitments in September 2016. Since September, the two stations have aired a total of 18 features on family planning. Excluding production fees, the segments would have cost US $6,900.
Radio Ramogi’s first family planning segment will air on April 29, 2017.