As the Taliban captured Afghanistan, the women in the country have been fearing for their future. If history were to repeat itself, women would hardly have any rights under the Taliban rule, including studying and working.
While several women fled from Afghanistan, fearless female journalists showed up to work, despite the supposed threat to their lives. Journalist Hasiba Atakpal reported from the streets of Kabul and spoke about the Taliban taking over the capital city, while several men passing by watched her do her job.
Video – TOLOnews' Hasiba Atakpal reports on the situation in Kabul pic.twitter.com/IqbGJbqlUX
— TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) August 17, 2021
In a powerful picture that was shared online, a female journalist is seen interviewing a man outdoors while being surrounded by several men.
Our brave female journalists out and about in Kabul this morning @TOLOnews pic.twitter.com/tAC29Y2zIG
— Saad Mohseni (@saadmohseni) August 17, 2021
Some were also present during the Taliban press conference.
Some female journalists attended the Taliban press briefing https://t.co/uOrmScsnMS
— The Asian Feminist (@theasianfmnst) August 17, 2021
Not just on the road, but journalists resumed their jobs on television as well. In another picture, a female television anchor is seen being broadcasted.
We resumed our broadcast with female anchors today.@TOLOnews #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/YLqtJEYceL
— Miraqa Popal (@MiraqaPopal) August 17, 2021
In yet another powerful incident, television presenter Beheshta Arghand is seen interviewing a senior Taliban representative, unthinkable 2 decades ago.
TOLOnews and the Taliban making history again: Abdul Haq Hammad, senior Taliban rep, speaking to our (female) presenter Beheshta earlier this morning. Unthinkable two decades ago when they were last in charge @TOLOnews pic.twitter.com/XzREQ6ZJ1a
— Saad Mohseni (@saadmohseni) August 17, 2021
What was even more courageous of all of them was that they wore headscarves/hijabs and not the Taliban-approved burqa. This happens while many other female journalists reported receiving death threats, being confined to their homes, and fearing their lives.
People online lauded these journalists for fearlessly doing their jobs.
In awe of @JaneFerguson5 @sgreports @clarissaward & other brave women journalists filing right now from Afghanistan.
And moved beyond words by the work of Afghan female journalists including@TOLOnews, determined to continue telling the story of their country. https://t.co/71eHXFDSd7
— Mary Louise Kelly (@NPRKelly) August 17, 2021
Just in awe of these amazing female journalists still reporting from Afghanistan, @clarissaward @sgreports @JaneFerguson5 @roxanasaberi @simijan1. And of the many Afghan reporters out on the front lines, sending feeds to their newsrooms despite impossible circumstances.
— Sheera Frenkel (@sheeraf) August 16, 2021
“I came to the office because I want to show to other women we can work, because we have struggled for this day.” https://t.co/wNAWvV3iCq
— Natalie Whiting (@Nat_Whiting) August 19, 2021
Respect fr this women & a brave journalist 🙌If only this much spine & bravery was shown by afghan army to protect it’s country n ppl from tlban terrorists today picture could have been different..#ShameOnAshrafGhani
— Amroz Khan ✪ (@amrozkhann) August 17, 2021
The last 48 hours has been like a tidal wave of horror – covid, Afghanistan- a place I’ve lived and worked in, recovering from surgery. But these Afghan female journalists are giving me such hope. #KabulHasFallen #Afghanistan #WomenOfAfghanistan pic.twitter.com/K6Iuve7AJh
— Polly Waffle (@pollywaffle99) August 18, 2021
It’s simply amazing to see female journalists working against all odds in Afghanistan right now. Truly wonderful. Journalism is powerful. Female journalists are fab.
— Omayra Issa (@OmayraIssa) August 17, 2021
My love and well wishes to @AnisaShaheed1. Please survive and remain simply strong in these brutal complexities. One of Afghanistan's rare and brave women on the frontline. 🌻https://t.co/7cZSrFyk2r
— Farkhonda Akbari (@FarkhondaAkbar) August 14, 2021
Stunning to see Afghan women journalists refusing to hide -knowing the great haters of Women, the Taliban men with whom the US signed a 'peace deal' will come after them. We talkfest endlessly about women & resilience- Afghan women just LIVE it! Knowing their lives are at stake! https://t.co/MZLZicdUsc
— Virginia Haussegger (@Virginia_Hauss) August 17, 2021
This, from the News Director at Afghanistan’s largest 24 hour news channel. The bravery being shown by local journalists in Afghanistan is inspiring. https://t.co/q2eZbEnCEz
— Mackay Taggart (@mackaytaggart) August 17, 2021
The bravery of these women is unmatched. They are putting their lives on the line to report the truth and show the girls and women of Afghanistan that they belong everywhere men do. They are the future Afghanistan deserves. https://t.co/onOoNolzmh
— Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (@SenatorShaheen) August 17, 2021
To just call these women ‘brave’ would be an understatement!