Since the Taliban's return, the media landscape in Afghanistan has drastically changed, with 80% of female journalists silenced. This podcast explores the courageous stories of women like Shabnam and Zahra, who strive to create platforms that amplify women's voices. Journalists are left navigating perilous terrain, balancing safety with the need for truth in oppressive conditions. Personal journeys reveal resilience as they confront adversity, showcasing the strength and determination of women fighting for their rights and representation amid harsh realities.
The Taliban's return to power has resulted in a drastic decline of female journalists in Afghanistan, with many choosing safety over their careers.
Zahra Nader's multilingual news platform symbolizes the resilience of Afghan women, as she uses undercover journalism to counter oppressive narratives.
Deep dives
The Fall of Kabul and the Rise of the Taliban
On August 14, 2021, the Taliban took control of Kabul, signaling a drastic change in Afghanistan's political landscape. Shabnam Daran, a presenter at Afghanistan's state news channel, chose to remain at the station amidst the uncertainty, but soon discovered that her role was usurped by a Taliban-affiliated presenter. The stark shift was captured when a photoshopped image juxtaposed Shabnam's final broadcast with the new presenter, underscoring how abruptly everything had changed for women in media. This event illustrated the immediate challenges faced by female journalists as the Taliban reclaimed power and their assurances of promoting women's rights proved to be hollow promises.
The Challenges of Female Journalists in Afghanistan
Despite the initial hopes following the Taliban's takeover, female journalists like Ariana faced severe restrictions under the new regime, leading to a dramatic decline in their numbers and influence. As laws mandated that women fully cover themselves in public and restricted their presence in media, many women found themselves at a crossroads, choosing safety over their career. Ariana's experiences in local radio highlighted her dedication to tackling domestic issues like violence and inequality, but now, her voice is stifled under Taliban rule. With estimates suggesting that only about 600 female journalists remain active, the risks they face grow daily as they navigate a landscape filled with threats and fear.
Resistance Through Storytelling and Adaptation
Zahra Nader, who established a multilingual news platform called SunTimes, embodies the resilient spirit of Afghan women seeking to document their stories despite oppressive conditions. By focusing on underserved narratives, including the experiences of the LGBTQ community and individuals with disabilities, Zahra aims to provide a counter-narrative to the Taliban's portrayal of Afghan women. Her undercover approach to journalism, using code words and anonymity to protect sources, reflects the immense risks women journalists continue to face in Afghanistan. This commitment to storytelling not only preserves history but also serves as a form of resistance against the Taliban's oppressive regime.
Since the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, eight out of 10 women journalists have stopped working. The few female journalists still working are subject to all kinds of restrictions, including no access to official sources, no travelling without a chaperone, as well as abuses such as harassment and low pay.
Previously, approximately 17 percent of accredited journalists working in Afghanistan were women - so where have they all gone, and what are they doing now? The BBC’s Sana Safi investigates.
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