What was the initiative? 

Rachel’s initiative focused on amplifying women’s voices through community radio in partnership with Radio Ada, Ghana’s first community radio station. She worked to develop a bi-weekly women’s program, “Women’s Corner”, which provided a platform for women to share their stories, discuss gender issues, and engage with their community. The initiative also included training young women in radio production, interviewing skills, and gender analysis. Additionally, it facilitated discussions on women’s rights and helped implement a gender policy at the station, fostering a more inclusive and representative media space for women within the local Dangme-speaking region. 

What was the community connection? 

Throughout her time in university, Rachel was an active member of the campus radio station. In her second year, she became involved in the CFXU Radio Ada Call and Response Partnership program which afforeder her the opportunity to spend six months working in Ada, Ghana with the Radio Ada team. She continued to collaborate with community members upon her return to Canada, and the idea for her initiative evolved from conversations with these partners.  

How was it innovative? 

The initiative was innovative as it moved beyond traditional empowerment program models and instead focused on storytelling as a means of social change. By shifting the conversation from “women’s issues” to “women’s stories”, Rachel contributed to a space where women could share their lived experiences in an organic and engaging way, fostering dialogue between men and women. The program also incorporated interactive phone-in segments, allowing community participation in discussions on gender equality. Additionally, the initiative led to structural changes at Radio Ada, including the development of a gender policy and increased representation of women in leadership roles, ensuring long-term impact beyond the Fellowship year.  

What is Rachel doing now?  

Rachel is enjoying motherhood and recently began to practice homesteading.