An Afghan radio station run entirely by women, Radio Begum, is set to resume broadcasting after the Taliban lifted a suspension that was imposed due to alleged cooperation with a foreign TV channel. The station, which launched on International Women’s Day in March 2021, had its operations halted just five months later when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan during the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops. The sister satellite channel, Begum TV, operates from France and broadcasts content on Afghanistan’s school curriculum for grades seven through 12. The Taliban had previously banned education for women and girls after the sixth grade.
According to the Taliban’s Information and Culture Ministry, Radio Begum had repeatedly requested permission to resume broadcasts, and the suspension was finally lifted after the station agreed to conduct broadcasts in accordance with the principles of journalism and the regulations of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, and to avoid any violations in the future. The station confirmed that permission had been granted to resume broadcasting but did not provide further details. The suspension was imposed after Taliban officials raided the station in Kabul and seized equipment, as well as taking two male employees into custody, despite them not holding senior management positions.
Since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in 2021, they have banned women from education, as well as many fields of work and public spaces. Journalists, especially women, have faced significant challenges under Taliban rule, with many losing their jobs as the Taliban tighten their grip on media in the region. Reporters Without Borders ranked Afghanistan 178 out of 180 countries in the 2024 press freedom index, a significant decline from the previous year when it was ranked 152. The Taliban have not identified the specific TV channel they accused Radio Begum of collaborating with, but the statement cited alleged collaboration with “foreign-sanctioned media outlets.”
Radio Begum and its sister channel Begum TV aim to provide educational content to the people of Afghanistan, despite the challenges they face under Taliban rule. The station’s commitment to promoting education for women and girls in the country has made it a target for the Taliban, who have imposed strict regulations on media and freedom of speech. By agreeing to conduct broadcasts in accordance with Taliban principles and regulations, Radio Begum hopes to continue its mission of providing valuable educational content to the Afghan people, especially women and girls who have been disproportionately affected by the Taliban’s restrictions on education and employment.
The resumption of Radio Begum’s broadcasts is a small victory for women’s voices in Afghanistan, as they strive to continue their work in the face of significant challenges from the Taliban. By adhering to Taliban regulations and ensuring compliance with Islamic principles, Radio Begum hopes to avoid further suspensions or closures and continue providing educational content to the people of Afghanistan. Despite the obstacles they face, the women of Radio Begum are determined to make their voices heard and provide valuable educational resources to their community, highlighting the importance of independent media in promoting education and empowerment in challenging circumstances.
