Video blogging empowers women

Based on the idea of community media, Women Aloud Video blogging for Empowerment (WAVE) is a platform for women interested in video production to blog in video format about social issues of their state and share information on the WAVE website (www.waveindia.org) to spread awareness, obtain public response and make a positive change in society. 

Journalists attending a video production workshop/photo credits:GKC

All women represent their state and share their views through video blogging with each other and viewers online. It is simply expressing oneself on camera or capturing images to narrate a story or an opinion, with or without editing, as a form of citizen journalism online. 

The process of making videos with a wide audience generates interest amongst viewers. The blogs act as a powerful tool of information, communication, and invite participation from individuals and various organisations including the development sector, academics and social investors. The website, launched in April 2010, has received over 15,000 unique visitors from 100 countries. 

There are 200 videos to date that have been viewed 85,000 times on YouTube and other video hosting sites. With a camera kit costing up to Rs 20,000, an internet connection and training, young women are empowered to create their own videos on development issues from their local areas. 

The women participants are given video equipment, training on ideating, research writing and shooting videos for 10 days, followed by a mentorship period of 9 months. They are required to send one video every month and receive a stipend for each video. 

WAVE addresses the problem of educated urban women's unemployment, which is the highest of other demographic groups currently. Financial security increases women’s ability to make her own life decisions including marriage and childbirth. 

By watching these videos, visitors gain an understanding of the multitude of women’s issues across India. 

Awareness is the first step to addressing challenges collectively and WAVE’s aim is to network individuals and groups concerned about women’s rights to discuss and work towards solutions.

The initiative has helped in many ways. Most of the women working in WAVE find it extremely empowering to make a documentary, shoot, do research, make a script, edit, etc. These women would not have had an opportunity to be associated with media or journalism had it not been for WAVE.

With 30 citizen journalists, one stationed in every state, who have the power to video blog about an issue that needs to be highlighted,awareness is created much more effectively. 

Also WAVE empowers young women with ICT tools, allowing them to voice the challenges and solutions of their communities; provides them with peer support through social networking; and encourages them to go on to be leaders in NGO, education, social entrepreneurship and journalism fields. It ensures the successful employment of young women that secures financial empowerment.