17-year-old Madina shares why women journalists remain a voice for truth under Taliban rule.
Under Taliban rule, Afghan women journalists continue to risk their safety to ensure our stories are not silenced. One such symbol of resilience is Zan TV, founded in Kabul in 2017 as a majority female-run station. Despite mounting threats and strict Taliban-imposed restrictions, it continues to cover critical issues such as domestic violence, girls’ education, and women’s employment — topics that many would prefer to see erased from public discussion.
Why Global Support Matters
These women are more than journalists — they are defenders of free expression. Their work keeps hope alive for girls like me, proving that women can still lead change even when silenced. But survival is not guaranteed. To continue, Afghan women in media need:
- Financial aid to keep independent outlets running
- Legal protection for journalists at risk
- Digital safety tools to work securely online
- International advocacy to pressure for freedom of speech.
Drastic Decline in Women Journalists
Before August 2021, more than 700 women journalists worked openly in Kabul. Today, fewer than 100 remain. The Taliban’s ban on showing women’s faces on television has forced many into exile, underground reporting, or complete silence. Notable examples include Najwa Alimi, who won Sweden’s Per Anger Prize for her human rights journalism at Zan TV, and Basira Joya, a TV anchor who fled to the United States in 2021 due to severe threats. Another pioneer, Zahra Joya, a Hazara journalist, founded Rukhshana Media in exile. In 2022, she was named one of TIME’s Women of the Year. Both Zan TV and Rukhshana Media continue reporting under heavy censorship — avoiding criticism of Taliban policies, steering clear of sensitive topics, and operating without the ability to show female anchors on screen.
A Voice for the Future
Asa girl in Afghanistan, I dream of a future where I can speak openly, work in the media, and report the truth without fear. I want to see the world stand with Afghan female journalists — not only in words, but with real action that keeps their work alive. We need stronger global awareness, more protective measures, and unwavering support to ensure our stories are never erased.Â
Challenges We Still Face
Our journey is not easy. Cultural pressures, early marriages, poverty, and weak infrastructure keep many girls from learning. But organizations like LEARN are breaking those barriers. Support from Afghan families, civil society, and international allies has also played a big part in lifting us up.
Madina N is 17 years old and is currently studying journalism with LEARN Afghan through a collaboration with British journalist Sarah Hussain. Alongside attending weekly online journalism classes, Madina also studies other subjects with LEARN in the hopes of finishing school and attending university. She aims to become a doctor in the near future.
Afghan Girls’ Voices is a collaborative effort between Observer Diplomat Magazine and LEARN Afghan to uphold Afghan girls’ fundamental right to education in the wake of the Taliban ban on secondary and higher education. Through this initiative, members of the LEARN Journalism Club contribute directly to the magazine. For safety and security reasons, only the first names of student contributors are published, and sensitive details that could endanger them, their families, or LEARN staff are withheld.
For more on LEARN visit: https://learnafghan.org
Support by donating: https://www.gofundme.com/f/learn-afg-donations
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