The Afghan Times is an online news outlet founded by Salma Niazi in August 2021.[1] Operated primarily by Afghan women journalists, the publication focuses on human rights and women's issues, particularly under the Taliban regime.[2] The outlet provides content in both Pashto and English, aiming to amplify the voices of Afghan women and highlight the violations of their rights.[3]
 The Afghan Times logo | |
| Founder(s) | Salma Niazi |
|---|---|
| Editor-in-chief | Salma Niazi |
| Deputy editor | Gul Naj |
| Language | English, Pashto and Dari |
| Website | https://theafghantimes.com/ |
History and Background
editSalma Niazi, a 23-year-old journalist from Laghman province, Afghanistan, established The Afghan Times while in exile in Pakistan. Niazi's decision to enter journalism was motivated by the lack of female representation in the media in her region. Her career began at a local level, but following the Taliban's return to power in 2021, she was forced to flee Afghanistan due to increasing restrictions and threats against female journalists.[4]
Founding and Operations
editThe outlet was conceived as a response to the Taliban's crackdown on women's rights, particularly in the media. Niazi manages a team of five female journalists, some of whom continue to work covertly from within Afghanistan. The publication operates from Dublin, Ireland, where Niazi resides.[5]
Mission and Content
editThe Afghan Times aims to document and challenge the Taliban's restrictions on women by reporting on their impact through a female perspective.[6] The publication features articles on issues like the ban on women working, the exclusion from education, and the everyday struggles of Afghan women. It also covers broader human rights topics and seeks to engage both local and international audiences.[7]
Challenges and Impact
editOperating under the Taliban's regime presents significant risks for the journalists of The Afghan Times, especially those still in Afghanistan.[8] The outlet's reporters use pseudonyms to protect their identities. Despite these dangers, the publication persists in its mission to shed light on the plight of Afghan women and hold the Taliban accountable for their actions. The work of The Afghan Times has garnered international attention and support, highlighting the resilience of Afghan women journalists.[9]
Current Status and Future Prospects
editFunded initially by Niazi's personal savings, The Afghan Times seeks sustainable financial support to continue its operations and potentially expand its staff. The publication remains a crucial platform for Afghan women, providing a voice amid widespread censorship and repression. Niazi's ultimate goal is to secure a safe environment where she can continue advocating for Afghan women's rights and ensure their stories are heard globally.[10][11]
References
edit- ^ "Female Afghan journalists continue their fight from abroad". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
- ^ "AIPS Media". www.aipsmedia.com. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
- ^ "Being a woman under Taliban rule is like being 'sentenced to death in slow motion'". ABC News. 8 March 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
- ^ "The erosion of women's rights since the Taliban took over Afghanistan - ABC News". amp.abc.net.au. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
- ^ "Female Afghan journalists continue their fight from abroad". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
- ^ "6 Acts of Resistance By Women in Afghanistan That Show Their True Bravery". Global Citizen. 15 August 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
- ^ Asia/Pacific, I. U. F. (29 May 2023). "The current situation of women workers in Afghanistan – a report by The Afghan Times for IUF Asia/Pacific". IUF Asia-Pacific. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
- ^ "Waiting for darkness to use the toilet: What life is like for women in flood-affected Afghanistan". ABC News. 28 May 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
- ^ TG24, Sky (20 June 2024). "Come continua la lotta delle donne afghane: la storia di Salma". tg24.sky.it (in Italian). Retrieved 1 July 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "About Us - The Afghan Times". 16 March 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
- ^ "Female Afghan journalists continue their fight from abroad". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
External links
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