Biratnagar, September 30:

For the ‘first time’ in Nepal, a community radio station run exclusively by women has hit the air waves. The all-eves Radio Purvanchal started broadcasting from here today.

The radio station, which will broadcast for 10 hours daily, is managed by two dozen women who are also part of the radio station managing committee.

Managing committee chairperson and station manager Kamala Kattel said they launched the all-women radio station to prove that women are no less efficacious in any field. The radio station’s office-bearers, broadcasters and managers mainly belong to the underprivileged, Dalit and Madhesi communities. Managing committee member Sanju Jhagar said: “This is a maiden opportunity for someone from my community.”

Committee chairperson Kattel said the radio station which broadcasts on 104.4 megahertz airs news, messages and entertainment programmes.

Punam Chaudhari, selected for running Tharu language programmes, has left her village and is working full-time at the station. According to Kattel, the radio having a capacity of 100 watts is being supported by 33 community organisations of Morang district. The radio station will focus mainly on rural area-oriented news and investigative programmes. It will also focus on women’s education and health care issues.