Silent Voices - Foundation for Gender RIghts

The Silent Voices Radio Programme is a survivor-centred weekly phone-in magazine programme established in 2020 to amplify the voices of vulnerable women, children, and underserved communities across Plateau State, Nigeria.

Through evidence-based discussions, expert interviews, survivor testimonies, and live audience participation, the programme addresses critical development issues including Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), environmental sustainability, and ecosystem protection, while connecting affected persons to essential support services.

With funding support from Tearfund Nigeria and the Plateau State Chapter of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Plateau), the project significantly strengthened access to information, legal assistance, psychosocial support, and referral services for survivors of violence and other vulnerable groups. The programme also leveraged strategic partnerships with the Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society (CWEENS), FIDA, and other civil society organisations to ensure that listeners requiring assistance received comprehensive and survivor-centred interventions.

Since its launch, Silent Voices has built a loyal audience of more than 10,000 dedicated listeners, creating a trusted platform where community members can report abuse, seek help, and engage in conversations that challenge harmful social norms and promote accountability. The programme has documented over 700 cases of gender-based violence, many of which were successfully referred for legal, medical, psychosocial, and protection services.

Through its referral network and partnerships, 510 women and children have directly benefited from emergency shelter, legal support, economic empowerment opportunities, and psychosocial counselling, enabling survivors to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Beyond individual case management, the programme has contributed to increased public awareness of gender rights, encouraged reporting of violence, strengthened community dialogue on safeguarding women and children, and promoted behavioural change through consistent public education.

The impact of Silent Voices has received both national and international recognition. In 2021, the programme was featured by IJNet, Voice of America, and Al Jazeera, highlighting its innovative use of radio journalism to support survivors, increase access to justice, and advance community-driven responses to gender-based violence.

Overall, Silent Voices demonstrates the transformative power of community radio as a tool for social accountability, public education, and survivor support.