Voices of disquiet on the Malawian airwaves

Human Rights NGOs are considered vanguards in the struggle against injustice and authoritarianism in Africa. But their narrow focus on civil and political rights neglects widely held economic grievances. In Malawi, an audience-driven radio programme –Nkhani Zam’maboma or “News from Districts” – has captivated the nation by exposing everyday injustices experienced by Malawians. Grievances are articulated through local idioms and proverbs that have little in common with the individual freedoms espoused by human rights activists. Never before has it been possible for Malawians to share experiences of injustice so publicly.

Author – Dr Harri Englund

Listen to the podcast of “Voices of disquiet on the Malawian airwaves”

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