Kabul: A recent survey conducted by the Afghanistan Women’s Journalist Association (AWJA) has unveiled a myriad of challenges faced by female journalists in the country, painting a concerning picture of the obstacles hindering their vital work in the media landscape.
The findings of the survey, as reported by Khaama Press, highlight a range of issues faced by Afghan women journalists, with job insecurity, financial constraints, and limited access to information emerging as significant impediments to their effective reporting. Mina Habib, the head of AWJA, stressed the importance of addressing these challenges, pointing out that 45 percent of respondents identified unemployment and home confinement as their top concerns. Additionally, 5 percent, 10 percent, and 7 percent cited poverty, lack of information access, and job security as pressing challenges, respectively.
Female journalists in Afghanistan have expressed frustration over the difficulties in accessing vital information and attending specific press conferences, further hindering their reporting efforts in an already complex environment. This struggle for access is not limited to gender, as male journalists in the country have also raised concerns about information access, urging the government to swiftly address this issue. This underscores the critical importance of transparent information dissemination for journalists of all genders.
The challenges faced by journalists in Afghanistan have been exacerbated by the recent political changes, including the Taliban’s takeover. Stringent restrictions on journalists and media outlets have led to a mass exodus of professionals seeking asylum in Western and neighboring countries. The absence of job opportunities, limited information access, and security threats have contributed to a dire situation for media professionals in the country.
Under the Taliban regime, at least 52 percent of visual media outlets have ceased operations in Afghanistan over the past two years, according to Khaama Press. The Media Support for Afghanistan’s Free Media (NAI) recently announced that more than half of the visual media outlets in the country have remained inactive. The impact on press freedom has been profound since the Taliban’s takeover on August 15, 2021, with several restrictions put in place for journalists.
Local media reports further emphasize the grim reality, revealing that after the political change in the country, 94 percent of women journalists have become unemployed due to the restrictions on their work. The dire situation underscores the urgent need for both national and international efforts to address the multifaceted challenges faced by Afghan women journalists, safeguarding their invaluable contributions to the media landscape amidst evolving political dynamics.
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