Radio and talk show confronts social and cultural barriers in Ethiopia

A weekly radio and talk show in Ethiopia is breaking boundaries in the conservative country by confronting social and cultural barriers.

The radio show known as Yegna uses drama, music as well as talk. It is hosted by a group of girls .

With a following of over five million people across the country, the hosts discuss the challenges that affect girls in Ethiopia using fictional characters.

Lemlem Hailemichael, Yegna show artist says, “We reflect the challenges in the society and show possible solutions at the same time. That’s why Yegna is popular. When you listen to Yegna drama, you hear stories that exist in the society and our music conveys a full message about a particular subject.”

According to UN Women, girls and women in Ethiopia are strongly disadvantaged in areas such as literacy, health, livelihoods and basic human rights.