In 1986 I wrote a paper for the International Oxford Symposium, based on my experience working with women’s development programmes in Asia, which illustrated the possibility of better integrating women in development by applying a new approach in communications. Encouraged by a researcher from Durham University I decided to pursue a Masters in order to analyse first-hand the appropriateness of utilising Development Support Communications for women’s development and education. 

Working with Action Aid Nepal, I conducted a case study research project for my MA called ‘Communication for the Future’ in the Middle Hill district of Nepal.  After first identifying beekeeping as a feasible and valuable form of income generation for women in this community, I tested various forms of communicating best practice techniques in an accessible way (at the time many women in this district were illiterate or semi-literate). 

You can read the full outcomes of the research in my MA thesis submitted to the Geography Department of Durham University.