Reports

March 2023
This handbook acknowledges the historical struggle for justice and rights that ordinary citizens have faced against the excesses of private companies and governments. It emphasizes the importance of inalienable human rights in protecting individuals. The handbook specifically focuses on digital rights in India and aims to provide a valuable resource for those seeking to understand and safeguard these rights. It recognizes the ongoing contestation between citizens, companies, and the state regarding the functioning and effectiveness of these rights.

March 2023
In the most backward district of Mewat (now Nuh), Haryana, there is a prevalence of violence against women. Hinsa Ko No program was initiated in 2018, focusing on domestic violence, which led to women sharing their stories and seeking help. Realizing the need for a comprehensive approach, the program aimed to establish awareness, create safe spaces for women, document victims’ stories, engage stakeholders, and empower community ambassadors for change. The report gives the details of the program.

March 2023
This survey conducted by SMART aims to assess the incorporation of gender equality in the management and operation systems of community radio stations. Recognizing the transformative potential of community radios in promoting gender inclusivity and challenging discriminatory practices, SMART seeks to understand the extent to which these stations are sensitized to gender issues and actively foster gender-responsive practices. By examining gender relations and gender-sensitive practices within community radio operations, this survey intends to lay the foundation for gender justice in community-owned media, empowering women to raise their voices and contribute to decision-making processes.

May 2023
Factshala is an information and Media literacy programme to provide trustworthy and high quality information. The project was first of its kind involving Training of Trainers (ToT) from Community Media (Community Radio) to ensure community members can develop skills to critically analyse information that is coming in. The report gives the detail of how FactShala programme empowers people with key tools for identifying and combating misinformation and building resilience against misinformation for people across India – especially in states and regions with low literacy. FactShala helps internet users navigate the online information ecosystem with confidence and find their way to trustworthy news sources.

March 2023
The TB Challenge initiative aimed to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB) through community radio stations. The report contains the details of the 5 months long project. A multi-pronged approach was adopted, focusing on screening, testing, and treating infected individuals. Baseline and endline surveys were conducted to assess the impact of the project, revealing significant improvements in knowledge about TB and government support. However, stigma surrounding TB remains a challenge, emphasizing the need for ongoing engagement and efforts to reduce stigma and promote health-seeking behavior within the community.

September 2022
The Hinsa Ko No project, aimed at addressing domestic violence in Nuh, India, has made significant achievements despite challenges posed by COVID-19. It created safe spaces in 27 Panchayats, trained stakeholders, and registered 232 cases. However, sustaining the intervention poses challenges due to the magnitude of the issue and the need for continued efforts involving various stakeholders. The project’s financial sustainability and exit strategy are uncertain, but integrating a livelihood program for survivors could help empower them and encourage more victims to seek support. The evaluation report provides comprehensive insights into the project’s performance.

February 2023
The Radio Festival is a unique initiative that brings together all three tiers of radio in India-public, private, and community radio – along with podcasters and others invested in the audio space. 6 editions of TRF have already taken place, and each year there is a different theme. Communicating the sustainable development goals, addressing gender-based violence, understanding digital media literacy, and health communications, TRF explores new ideas to use radio as a powerful tool for connecting with the masses. The brochure gives the SMART team’s first hand account of radio for change. It gives insights and stories from the ground. 

February 2023
The urgency of addressing climate change and its far-reaching consequences, including social disruption, food insecurity, forced migration, and inequalities, is evident. The burden placed on children due to extreme weather events, water and food scarcity, pollution, and environmental toxicity is a significant concern. Recognizing the need for action, the Radio Festival organized a unique deliberation on climate change, bringing together community radio representatives, policymakers, advocates, and stakeholders. The event aimed to foster discussions, share experiences, and promote literacy, mitigation, adaptation, and resilience at both global and local levels, with support from organizations such as UNICEF and UNESCO. The report gives detailed explaination of the event.

31 December 2022
The Aarambh initiative, a partnership between UNICEF Maharashtra and SMART, collaborated with 10 community radio stations in Maharashtra to promote Early Childhood Development and Nutritional Behavior. Utilizing radio’s hyper-local reach, the initiative disseminated messages tailored to the specific concerns of each community. The evaluation report provides an in-depth analysis of the contribution and impact of each radio station, highlighting their role in creating positive change within society.

December 2022
SMART, in partnership with UNICEF, implemented a pilot project to engage youth in climate-vulnerable zones across six states in India through community radios. The project aimed to raise awareness about climate change, simplify complex concepts, promote climate literacy, and encourage environmentally-friendly behaviors. The approach involved creating awareness to influence behavior, providing education and information, and fostering public participation through discussions and debates. The project trained a minimum of 50 young ambassadors from each radio station, empowering them to become climate-literate youth reporters capable of practicing and promoting environmentally responsible behavior.