The Contribution of Montfort Missionaries for the Development of Women through Mass Media in Malawi
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Date
2001-04
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Abstract
"We can understand the meaning of development etymologically by looking at its
counter part. The Old French [mediaeval stem] puts the word 'to envelop' as a related
word In this sense it means to wrap-up something or somebody. A very good example is
of a letter put in an envelope. The letter is hidden by an envelope. Develop is referred to
the opposite way and it means uncovering, this is the process of showing what was
hidden. Therefore we should understand development as a movement towards positive
direction despite the prefix [de] de - velopment.
Development focuses on human beings for human growth. It is through human
development that one can promote other developments because it involves human beings.
Whether we speak of development in psychological, economic or political contents, it
must sustain life. In life sustenance people are able to get basic needylike food, shelter
and protection just to mention a few. Development touches the idea of respect and
recognition. It promotes self-esteem of human beings, whether poor or rich, since respect
and recognition as human beings allow them to be responsible and not be used as a tool.
Media play a big position either in negating people or promoting people to develop.
Some women are viewed as subordinates or objects in the media in this situation the
media under develop women. In such situation women can not be developed. Again, the
other value of development should be the freedom of being able to choose. Development
can't take place where people are silenced and can not decide. By undermining those we
call subordinates, we are limiting development because we do not want the subordinates,
for example, the women or the poor to know what is revealed [refer to the first paragraph
of development]. The idea of having freedom to decide or to express needs promotes
development.
The present modern world of technology is encouraging women to use the same
media, which dehumanises them. Therefore traditional African values of communication
should complement the modern mass media to promote women's development.
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Keywords
Mass Media, Women, Missionaries, Monfort