More women are becoming journalists in Afghanistan

Mursal, whose real name cannot be revealed for safety reasons, is one of hundreds of Afghan women journalists writing “Afghanistan’s history” every day.

Afghanistan is the worst country in the world to be a woman, according to the 2023–24 Women, Peace and Security Index.

“We want to push back,” Mursal said. “We want to stand up for all the Afghan women who are scared, murdered, beaten and living in prison in their homes. We document the current history of the Afghan women. One day, these stories will make sense for the world outside this prison called Afghanistan.”

Being a woman journalist in Afghanistan is not only a life-threatening occupation but also frustratingly difficult from a logistical perspective. Women journalists generally cannot report from the scene of breaking news events in public places or interview the Taliban. They also must cover their faces. In some areas, women are banned from attending official press conferences.

Nonetheless, in 2024 the number of active women journalists in Afghanistan increased by 60 percent: from 557 the previous year to 893.

The growth is partly the result of IMS local partners’ successful efforts to – in some provinces – persuade the de facto authorities to relax restrictions on women journalists and encourage media organisations to hire women reporters.

While 893 is a far cry from the 1,400 women reporters operating before the Taliban’s return, the trend is heading in the right direction. But there is still room for improvement.

Women journalists are active in only 25 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. This means women’s voices from a quarter of the country, mostly in the eastern provinces, are being silenced under the Taliban.

IMS and its partners are assisting the professional development of current and aspiring women journalists.

In 2024, almost 500 women journalists, both in-country and in exile, participated in training workshops that covered skill development, safety and trauma awareness and mental health support.

Since 2022, IMS local partners have built a strong network of women-led advocacy groups. In 2024, these groups operated in 12 provinces.

The groups advocate for women journalists’ rights with the de facto authorities, media outlets, international organisations and other relevant stakeholders.

Among the concrete results, a women’s advocacy group was able to persuade local de facto officials in Daikundi to reverse a ban on women working in the media. When two radio programmes in Khost province dedicated to women’s issues were suspended, IMS’ local partners intervened in the case. The suspension was lifted and the programmes could go back on air.

In some provinces, the advocacy groups have convinced the de facto authorities to lift restrictions and allow women journalists to report outside the office without a male chaperone.

In other provinces, these groups have received permission for women journalists to cover press conferences, which they could not do previously.

IMS partners have provided emergency assistance and mental health support to 220 women journalists. This has included financial support and legal assistance for journalists arrested.

IMS’ partners are also making changes to improve gender equality.

One partner, who cannot be named for safety reasons, has introduced gender quotas for staffing, programme guests and interviews.

Another partner is developing a women’s leadership training programme and has created a new management position for a woman senior staff member.

Rashida, who also cannot reveal her real name for security reasons, knows firsthand the heartbreak of unfulfilled dreams. She had always wanted to make documentaries but now it’s too complicated for Afghan women reporters to work with a camera.

“Therefore, I write, write and write – trying to illustrate how brave and committed the young, educated Afghan women are despite the fact that we are scared 24/7,” she said. “This is my life now. I dream about a better life, but today I fight.”

IMS partners in Afghanistan have indirectly been hit by US funding cuts as less money is available for emergency support.