Radio programming by and for women in Italy in the 1970s: The case of Noi, voi, loro donna

Abstract

This article explores the medium of radio as a vehicle for female empowerment from a cultural-historical perspective. It focuses on programmes by and for women on Italian public radio in the 1970s, at the height of second-wave feminism. In keeping with a constructionist approach that enhances the innovative potential of media, and recognizing radio as a source for women’s history, the article aims to identify the ways and goals by which radio speaks about women and addresses women. Following a case study methodology that focuses on the programme Noi, voi, loro donna (‘We, you, they woman’) (1978–82, Radio Tre), the article highlights the radio’s commitment for women’s rights: it offered a space for women-led discussion on women’s issues; it spread knowledge, reflections and analyses about gender inequalities and feminism; and thereby it provided women with the cognitive tools to acquire self-awareness, become familiar with new ideas and behaviours and redefine their identities.