Making Waves in Kenya: Stellah

For International Women’s Day 2016, Stellah – a presenter for a community radio station in Nairobi – explains how she’s using radio as a platform to inspire young women to succeed.

I’m a volunteer radio presenter at Mtaani Radio, a community based radio station in Nairobi, Kenya. I’ve been doing this for close to two years now. You know what they say, practice makes perfect and so I’m just practicing my talent and hopefully this will pay off some day.

During my two years at the station, I’ve been lucky enough to be supported by Davie, a BBC Media Action mentor who has helped me plan my show, communicate more effectively and create content that’s relevant to listeners.

His advice has helped the station produce shows and Public Service Announcements (PSAs) that use the power of radio to share different ways people can improve their health – like washing hands with soap before preparing food to avoid conditions like diarrhoea.

On International Women’s Day, we’ll be broadcasting a special radio show looking at the issues confronting women in my community, such as domestic violence, teenage pregnancy and early marriage. As a female radio presenter, it’s easier for me to relate to the issues that women in my community face – and radio is a powerful platform to help encourage change.

I feel very proud when young girls come up to me in the street or post on Facebook to tell me that they had been inspired by the show.

While presenting, I’m always thinking about how I can guide young people and inspire them in a positive way. My latest show was on ‘success’, where I got local business leaders and role models to help show my listeners that through hard work and determination, they can get to where they want to be.

I believe that the majority of problems we have on earth are as a result of you and me, so if you and me can work together, then we can make the world a better place.

Read more inspiring stories of how women are using media to make waves.

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