When women thrive, we all rise.

These words feature on the International Women’s Day website, because research shows that when women are empowered, poverty decreases, economies grow and families are healthier.

But beyond these benefits, valuing and supporting women is part of God’s Kingdom coming on earth.

The Kingdom way

In a society where women were restricted, confined to the home and overlooked, Jesus’ interactions with women were radically different. He engaged, listened, trusted, respected, healed, honoured and loved.

Sadly, in society today many women still face similar challenges to those Jesus stood against 2000 years ago.

But in God’s story, women play a vital role, and our partners are using radio to share this good news.  

One of these projects is the Women’s Initiative in India, where we can see how God is using our partners and the power of radio to show women their God-given value, transforming lives and communities. 

From exploited to entrepreneur

In India 23% of girls marry before the age of 18**. Child marriage is particularly prevalent in northern states, where our partner project Women’s Initiative is broadcasting. Many girls’ education ends once married, and they are vulnerable to exploitation and domestic abuse.

Heartbreakingly this is what Diya* experienced. Diya was married at 16 and when she turned 18 her husband sold her into a prostitution.

Diya managed to escape her traffickers and fled to her parents’ home but due to the stigma surrounding sex work they turned her away. She had no choice but to return to prostitution.

Thankfully Diya’s cousin stepped in, offering her a way out and a place to live.

Struggling with the trauma of her experiences, Diya felt desperate and hopeless, experiencing suicidal thoughts. One day she stumbled across the Women’s Initiative broadcast. The episode was exploring the theme of resilience. The words deeply resonated with Diya, bringing her to tears.

Reaching out to the radio team, she began to build a relationship with the staff. Trained in basic counselling, they listened, supported and encouraged her, sharing God’s love. 

With time and support, Diya has experienced healing and has now started her own small business – a grocery shop serving her village. The shop not only provides a stable income but has restored her sense of dignity and purpose.

Ripple effect

Diya is not the only woman who has been impacted by our partner’s broadcasts.

Harshada* began listening to the Women’s Initiative programmes while doing her household chores. She was drawn in by the conversations on mental health, education and women’s empowerment, all explored through the lens of the Bible.

Something in Harshada began to stir as she wondered how these lessons could be shared with her community.

Harshada was aware of a family nearby whose financial struggles meant their young daughter had dropped out of school to work as a maid.

Inspired by what she had learned from the radio programmes, she decided to visit the family and offer financial support, allowing their daughter to return to school!

Her story is a testament to the power of listening, learning, and acting with compassion, showing how one small step can lead to meaningful change. - Women’s Initiative staff member