Radio Ministry Brings Renewed Hope to Women in South Asia
[Estimated reading time: 3 minutes]
Quick Summary: For women in restricted countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, radio remains one of the only private, accessible ways to encounter God's Word. Two listeners — a Pakistani mother shamed for having daughters, and an Afghan woman denied basic rights and freedoms — share how Women of Hope broadcasts changed how they see themselves, their families and their futures.
Behind closed doors in Pakistan and Afghanistan, women are discovering a message of worth and hope.
Yasmin (not her real name) is a listener from Pakistan. She struggled with her sense of self-worth, which was connected to things beyond her control.
“I have five daughters,” she said. “My mother-in-law would make fun of me in front of the family every time one of my kids was born, asking, ‘Why did you bring another daughter into this home?’”
Yasmin continued, “I was greatly upset by these remarks, which made me feel discouraged and ashamed. I started to feel gloomy and depressed because having daughters is still often not respected in our society. However, after I started listening to the Women of Hope program, everything began to change.”
A Pakistani Mother Finds Her Worth Beyond Cultural Shame
Through radio broadcasts such as Women of Hope, God’s Word is reaching women, like Yasmin, in the privacy of their own homes. The programs offer spiritual encouragement, hope and biblical teaching to their yearning hearts, which they can then share within their families.
On Women of Hope, “I would hear uplifting messages about the importance of daughters and how they are priceless blessings from God,” Yasmin explained. “Through this, I discovered that all children — regardless of gender — are made with love and purpose.”
Because of what she heard, Yasmin was motivated to take action. “With this fresh inspiration, I decided to persevere,” she said. “In order to provide for my girls’ education, and help them create a safe and promising future, I started working at a job. Although it hasn't been simple, God has given me courage and determination.
“I am incredibly grateful to God today for transforming both my heart and my circumstances. Additionally, I am incredibly appreciative of the fellowship and the Women of Hope program, which supported me at my lowest moments. I now see my girls as a blessing and a gift from God, rather than a burden.”
For Women in Restricted Countries, Radio Is a Lifeline to Hope
Radio continues to be the most accessible and trusted medium for women across Pakistan, Afghanistan and North India (known within TWR as PANI). Many have shared with us that they rely on radio because:
- It is affordable and widely available.
- It can be listened to privately at home.
- It does not require internet access or smartphones.
Accessibility and privacy are extremely important because women in these countries often do not have much to call their own. One Afghani listener recently shared how discouraged she felt about the lack of opportunities for women in her country. “I cannot study or work,” she said. “I think to myself that women now have no rights except washing, cooking and bearing children.”
But when that listener found Women of Hope airing in the Hazaragi language, “it gave me a little hope,” she said. “As I tuned in every week, I learned more about various biblical topics as well as the true meaning of love, respect, honesty and sincerity. I realized that I had found the place I belonged to, what I had been searching for.”
She concluded by sharing what that meant to her: “Living with love. Speaking with the living God, who is always accessible. Who is always with us. Who prescribes peace, teaches love and sacrifice. I still face very difficult security and economic conditions in my life, but I now live in God and walk in his ways.”
