Muslim Women on the Air and in the Workplace: Insights from Ethnographic Work at a Tanzanian Radio Station

The study explores Tanzanian women's engagement with Islam through an ethnography of Radio Nuur, a non-denominational Islamic station in Tanga, Tanzania. Based on participant observation and interviews, the research investigates the discourse types and ideologies broadcasted, emphasizing women's participation and perspectives. Contrary to other stations, Radio Nuur actively involves women, both as staff and callers, potentially increasing their "voice" in the workplace and community. I examine how radio discourse shapes Tanzanian Muslims' sense of belonging to local and global religious communities and influences their interpretations of gender roles amidst diverse religious discourses. By studying media's role in constructing community identities and negotiating various ideological influences, the research sheds light on gendered communication dynamics within Tanzania and beyond, impacting understandings of Islam's local and global dimensions.