Elisabeth Hilim’s journey in radio shows her strong passion for helping women and promoting gender equality. As a child, she looked up to radio hosts on national stations and dreamed of becoming one herself. Although she initially studied economics because of financial challenges, her love for sharing information and communicating never faded.
After earning her degree and spending time in an NGO, Mrs. Hilim realized her true calling was in broadcasting. She says, “I wanted to be the one who seeks out information and shares it.” She envisioned using radio as a means to support rural communities by providing them with vital information on agriculture, education, and gender equality. This vision led her to secure an internship at Radio Evangile Albarka, where her broadcasting career officially began.
Starting as an intern, Mrs. Hilim hosted a simple show called Souhait-Salutations (Wishes-Greetings). Under the guidance of her supervisor, she quickly honed her skills in radio presentation, audio editing, and news programming. Mrs. Hilim’s natural ability to connect with her audience was evident as listeners began sharing their personal stories and seeking advice on relationships and family issues. This inspired her to create the show Parole aux Auditeurs (Voice to the Listeners), focused on societal concerns.
Mrs. Hilim’s flagship program, Femmes et Société (Women and Society), addresses the realities of gender inequality in both urban and rural communities. Her show offers a platform for women to voice their struggles and experiences, fostering open discussions with community leaders and men. These debates not only challenge societal norms but also provide a safe space for women to express their grievances.
Mrs. Hilim chooses her topics based on daily experiences and current events, often drawing inspiration from the challenges faced by individuals in her community. She is particularly passionate about addressing gender-based violence and the societal implications of gender inequality. She says, “I aim to propose solutions and empower women and girls to stand against violence.”
Preparation for each episode involves thorough research and community engagement. Mrs. Hilim interviews people to gather their opinions and insights, ensuring her show reflects the voices of those most affected by the issues discussed. The interactive format encourages listeners to call in, share their thoughts, and engage in meaningful dialogue.
One of her most memorable episodes tackled the theme of gender equality and social balance. The discussions highlighted the shared experiences of men and women in overcoming societal roles, demonstrating that tasks traditionally assigned to men can be equally performed by women. A listener’s powerful testimony reinforced the idea that gender roles are socially constructed rather than biologically determined, prompting a shift in perspectives among the audience.
Mrs. Hilim skillfully balances information and entertainment in her broadcasts. She says, “Humor plays a crucial role in creating a relaxed atmosphere.”
Mrs. Hilim cares deeply about connecting with her audience and values their feedback. She says, “Listeners can share their experiences, and their input makes the discussion better.”
Through her impactful work, Mrs. Hilim has been recognized for her contributions to rural broadcasting, winning the Liz Hughes Award for Her Farm Radio in 2023 and earning nominations at the Togo Media Awards. As she looks to the future, Mrs. Hilim dreams of expanding her reach both nationally and internationally, delving deeper into issues like gender-based violence and women’s leadership. She says, “I want to inspire real change in communities and challenge harmful mentalities.”
For aspiring broadcasters, Mrs. Hilim offers this advice: “Stay informed and be aware of current events. Your voice can be a powerful tool for change.”
Mrs. Hilim is one of several broadcasters from our network invited to attend Global Family Farming Forum 2024, held Oct. 14-18 at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, Italy. The forum will bring together global experts, passionate changemakers, and visionary leaders of all ages to discuss this year’s theme: “Good food for all, for today and tomorrow.”
Farm Radio International (FRI) is a Canadian non-profit organization specializing in ICT-enabled extension and communication for reaching rural and remote communities at scale in local languages in sub-Saharan Africa. FRI’s core expertise is collaborative, user-focused co-creation of quality information and advisory services, combining radio and mobile phones, other ICTs and face-to-face interaction