When host Sonia Niazi came to work on Sunday, she involuntarily had to cover her face. Afghanistan’s reunion with the Taliban regime has had major consequences for Afghan women.
Less than 10 minutes ago
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– We are in deep grief today, TOLOnews’ editor-in-chief Akhpolwak Safi wrote on Facebook.
Afghan media had hoped they could persuade the Taliban to turn around by defying the order announced Thursday. At that time, only a handful of news media followed the order.
But on Sunday, all the female presenters covered their faces during the broadcast. This weekend, the authorities announced that the order would be enforced.
– Today they have forced a mask on us, but we will continue our fight by using our votes, says Sonia Niazi in TOLOnews after a news broadcast.
Raised the case live
On the TV show, she wore a black hijab with a veil that covered everything except her eyes and forehead.
– I will never cry because of this order, but I want to be the voice of other Afghan girls, she says.
Female employees were also covered on the leading TV channels Ariana Television, Shamshad TV and 1TV.
Basira Joya raised the issue during her own live broadcast on Ariana when she said that Islam has not forced anything on anyone with power.
– We fight and continue our work, even in the burqa. Nothing can stop us, she said.
–Ready to fight
Lima Spesaly, who is a news anchor for 1TV, says it is difficult to work under the Taliban government. But she’s ready for battle.
– We will continue our fight until the last breath, she told the news agency AFP a few minutes before she went on the air.
TOLOnews director Khpolwak Sapai says he was asked to ensure that female employees followed the Taliban’s orders.
– I was called yesterday and was asked in strict terms to do so. So it is not something we choose, but is forced, says Sapai.
Until now, female presenters on Afghan television have only had to wear scarves.
–Men with face masks
Niazi believes the Taliban’s decree is an attempt to force female journalists to quit their jobs.
– It’s like depriving us of our identity. Despite this, we will raise our voices. We will go to work again and again until the Islamic Emirate removes us from public space or forces us to sit at home, she says.
Several of her male colleagues went on Sunday with black bandages in solidarity with the women. Among them was TOLOnews’ anchor on the evening news. In the editorial office in Kabul, female employees continued to work without their faces covered while they were not on the air.
– Thanks to all colleagues who helped us lift this heavy load, Niazi wrote on Facebook Sunday night.
Burka
The Ministry of Information and Culture has stated that the new dress code is final and not negotiable, writes the news agency AP.
The last time the Taliban ruled Afghanistan, from 1996 to 2001, the Islamist movement imposed extensive restrictions on women’s lives. They were forced to wear the full-length garment burka, denied education and banned from large sections of society.
After the Taliban came to power again in August, they gave the impression of having moderated somewhat – and a new dress code for women was waiting for them. But in recent weeks, Islamists have tightened sharply.
–Denied education
Earlier in May, all women in Afghanistan were told that they had to be covered from head to toe, with only their eyes visible. The Taliban decree further stated that women should only leave their homes when necessary. Male relatives can be punished if the women do not follow the dress code.
The Taliban leadership has also denied girls going to school after sixth grade. It is a breach of the promises they have made that all girls of all ages will receive an education.
The new rulers have also closed down the Ministry of Women and replaced it with a ministry that will promote good morals and prevent sinful behavior.
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