UNICEF Expands the Oky Toky Radio Program with 24 New Episodes in 2025
UNICEF has extended the Oky Toky Radio Program with 24 additional episodes this year.
UNICEF has extended the Oky Toky Radio Program with 24 additional episodes this year. Previously run by Save the Children, this weekly radio show is designed to empower adolescent girls across Papua New Guinea.
Targeting girls aged 10-19 years, Oky Toky addresses critical issues affecting young girls across the country such as menstrual health and hygiene, puberty, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, personal safety, and information on referral pathways. Through engaging discussions, interviews, radio dramas, and interactive segments, the program creates a safe space for girls to learn, share experiences, and access essential information.
By encouraging open conversations with families, teachers, religious leaders, and community members, Oky Toky helps break the silence and stigma surrounding these important issues. The program’s mission is to empower girls to confidently manage their menstrual health, continue their education, know their rights and participate fully in life.
Highlights from the radio show this year include:
- Valentine’s Day Special: A discussions with a young girl and boy on what healthy relationships look like and how to identify warning signs.
- International Women’s Day Special: A conversation with Ms. Henna Joku, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Advocate, on tackling GBV at its roots, reporting violence and abuse, available referral pathways, and how men and boys can support the cause.
- World Water Day Special: A discussion with Martin Worth, Chief of WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) at UNICEF Papua New Guinea, on the importance of sanitation, and how adolescents can contribute to cleaner schools and communities.
UNICEF will continue running the Oky Toky radio program until the end of July, covering essential topics such as health and immunization, girls in tech, online safety, teenage pregnancy, bullying, adolescent rights, menstrual health and hygiene, girls with disabilities, and GBV.
The show airs every Wednesday at 2pm (previously 3:30pm) on Tribe 92.3FM and across all 22 provincial NBC radio stations.
Missed an episode? Listen anytime on YouTube and Spotify.
Oky Toky is part of the broader Oky Papua New Guinea initiative funded by the Australian Government. Launched last year, Oky PNG aims to overcome period stigma and address the lack of accurate information about menstruation, puberty, and other health related issues. This includes the Oky app, a vibrant and fun space where girls come to track their periods, learn, play and explore hard questions about themselves and the world around them; and a soon to be released Interactive Voice Response system which will allow girls with basic low-tech phones to access Oky stories, quizzes, messages and other important information available on the app – stay tuned!
By equipping girls with knowledge, Oky empowers them to take control of their bodies and their lives. With the support of boys, parents and caregivers, the initiative fosters a community where girls can thrive and reach their full potential.
