Afghanistan: CFWIJ is concerned for Shabnam Dawran and Khadija Amin after the Taliban denied them entry to work
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August 20, 2021- Shabnam Dawran, a broadcaster at state-run news channel Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA), was denied entry to work. In a video message Shabnam shared with the private news network, TOLO News, she alleged the Taliban barred her from entering the news station and told her to “go home”. Shabnam was dressed in a hijab and presented her work ID, but was not allowed into the Kabul-based network. Another female presenter, Khadija Amin, was instructed to go home and wait when she tried to return to work on August 18.
The CFWIJ is alarmed by the restrictions placed on women journalists in Afghanistan. Taliban leaders clearly announced that women would be able to continue working in adherence to the Islamic code of dressing. Women journalists already feel threatened under the new regime, given the grim reality of what they experienced in the past. CFWIJ urges Taliban leadership to respect press freedom and allow women journalists to work without fear of persecution.
Shabnam Dawran is a prominent news presenter who has worked at RTA for six years. She narrated her experience in a video message, “I went to RTA, but they told me that the regime has changed— you are not allowed— go home”. She further stated, “I was not allowed to enter the office, but my male colleague could enter. The male employees who had office cards were able to enter but I was told that I couldn’t continue my duty as the system has changed now.” Towards the end of the video, she made a request, “Those who are listening to me, if the world hears me, then please help us as our lives are under threat.”
The Taliban intervention came just days after they claimed women are free to work at press conferences. After seizing power in the country, the Taliban announced in their first-ever press conference, “Women are an important part of our society, they can work, they can get an education, they are needed in our society, and they will be actively involved. There will be nothing against women in our rule. Our women are Muslims, they accept Islamic values, and if they continue to live according to Sharia law, we will be happy and they will be happy.” Despite the assurances made by the Taliban, we continue to see the pattern of intimidation and discrimination against women journalists who wish to continue working.
Miraqa Popal, the head of TOLO News network, shared Shabnam’s video message in a tweet, “Taliban did not allow my ex-colleague here in @TOLONews and famous anchor of the State-owned @rtapashto Shabnam Dawran to start her work today. ‘Despite wearing a hijab & carrying correct ID, I was told by Taliban: The regime has changed. Go home.’
Taliban didn't allow my ex-colleague here in @TOLOnews and famous anchor of the State-owned @rtapashto Shabnam Dawran to start her work today.
— Miraqa Popal (@MiraqaPopal) August 18, 2021
" Despite wearing a hijab & carrying correct ID, I was told by Taliban: The regime has changed. Go home"#Afghanistan #Talban pic.twitter.com/rXK7LWvddX
Khadija Amin, another prominent news broadcaster, was also refused entry to the station when she arrived for work. Khadija expressed her deep concerns, “I am a journalist and I am not allowed to work. What will I do next? The next generation will have nothing, everything we achieved in twenty years will be gone. The Taliban is the Taliban. They have not changed.”
Hafizullah Maroof, a BBC journalist, also shared, “Six female journalists of Radio Television of AFG (RTA)- most of them presenters- were denied to enter their office by the Taliban fighters yesterday. They were told, ‘it is not private TV and no place for female journalists anymore.’ RTA was being transformed 2 a modern channel.”
Six female journalists of Radio Television of AFG (RTA)- most of them presenters- were denied to enter their office by the Taliban fighters yesteray. They were told, "it is not private TV and no place for female journalists anymore". RTA was being transformed 2 a modern channel.
— Hafizullah Maroof (@HafizMaroof1) August 19, 2021
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is alarmed by the Taliban’s rise to power that greatly affects the lives of women journalists, activists, and social workers in the country. We urge the Taliban leadership to allow Shabnam Dawran, Khadija Amin, and all female employees to continue their work. The CFWIJ has extensively reported the threats and violations against women journalists in recent months. We have been following the latest developments and are assisting women journalists and human rights workers seeking refuge.
