Dhira is a project which was started in 2015 by some former “weltwärts” volunteers of the Karl Kübel Foundation in cooperation with Prajna. The aim of the association is to increase gender equality and support women empowerment. Dhira stands for solidarity, which does not stop at borders.
One of the projects Dhira funds is the radio program Bharavaseya Belaku (“Light of hope”). The program has been broadcasted every two weeks on the regional radio station All India Radio Mangalore since January 2014.
Different experts come to every recording and discuss with the host Devika Shetty about women empowerment, violence against women, child rights, sexual abuse and economic independence of women as well as many other topics.
The program is partly structured as a “phone-in” program, so that listeners can call in and ask experts questions. During the program, listeners can share their own experiences and find out about support services.
One focus of the radio program is to reach women in rural areas to educate and empower them. Especially in these places radios are still very popular, which makes the program a great tool to spread knowledge and reach many people at the same time.
Furthermore Dhira supports the Swadhara womens shelter, organizes workshops on gender equality and holds events in Germany.
