INFLUENCE OF RADIO CAMPAIGNS AGAINST THE PRACTICE OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN ABIA, EBONYI AND ENUGU STATES (ENGLISH AND LINGUISTIC PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS)
ABSTRACT
The mass media are believed to be central to the overall development of the society be it economic, social or health, through the various functions they perform especially the Agenda-setting function. This research carried out to assess the influence of radio campaigns against the practice of female genital mutilation in Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu states was conducted using the survey research method purposive sampling method is used to determine the sample size and the questionnaire as the instrument of data collection. A total number of 511 respondents were sampled 329 of them were females while 182 of them were males, Findings showed that 78.5% of the respondents have knowledge of female genital mutilation, 52% of them have been influenced by the different radio campaigns and have as well joined the media in the campaign against the practice of female genital mutilation. The researcher therefore recommends that the Nigerian government should enact laws against the practice of female genital mutilation and a severe punishment stipulated for violators .
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The provision of information has gained popularity in the quest to empower the people through radio as an effective tool for communication at the grassroots level. Kumar (2004) identified radio as an avenue for participatory communication and as a tool relevant in both economic, social and health development. Radio can play a significant role at the grassroots level for rural development. For instance, issues of poverty, agriculture, gender inequality, education, and health matters such as HIV Aids, Ebola virus disease, Malaria, and female genital mutilation among others, could be the focus of radio campaigns. Communication is a vital component of healthcare delivery. Current research on health communication clearly illustrates the powerful influences of communication in healthcare delivery. Mass media campaigns can raise awareness of an issue, enhance knowledge and beliefs and reinforce existing attitudes Mustapha (2008, p.19).
In this regard, radio provides a set of participatory communication techniques that provide a platform for the discussion of health issues on female genital mutilation. This could be done through interactive discussions like phone- in programmes, group discussions and interviews mostly on the dangers associated with the practice of female genital mutilation using local languages to communicate directly with the people. Radio is very central to development because, it is a cheap medium for mobilization of people and information dissemination which provides solution to local problems. The mass media have been integral to many health campaigns globally, and in Nigeria in particular, they can also change attitudes and behaviours, especially when the change is simple and of obvious benefit to the intended audience. The mass media are referred to as the key component of global strategy for sustainable health issues. More than 60% of groups working on abandonment of female genital mutilation cite the mass media as a very important programme outlet PRB, (2002). For example, the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), broadcasts regular radio programmes (Ndukaku) encouraging the abandonment of female genital mutilation.
