Media Literacy for Woman’s Empowerment. A Case Study with Groups of Honduran Indigenous and Rural Women in Vulnerable Situation

Abstract

This investigation analyzes the impact of a media literacy project implemented with groups of rural and/or indigenous women, mostly of the Lenca ethnic group, in the departments of La Paz, Ocotepeque and Lempira, in one of the poorest regions of Honduras. The objectives of this project were to reduce their vulnerability through media literacy and increase their capacity to raise awareness and to apply good practices in their communities regarding food security, agricultural productivity, marketing of their products, gender leadership and affirmation of indigenous culture. The results indicate that this type of media education in non-formal contexts advances social change and improves job opportunities and the empowerment of vulnerable groups, which helps to reduce poverty. Both the data collected through in-depth interviews with training participants and the subsequent follow-up confirm that media literacy in non-formal educational environments allows women to acquire skills enable them to boost their presence both in their municipalities and in digital contexts, shed light on their problem areas, develop the concept of indigenous culture, reduce their productive vulnerability and improve their socioeconomic situation through the use of accessible communication tools.