The Afghan Times
 | |
 A page from The Afghan Times | |
| Founder(s) | Salma Niazi |
|---|---|
| Publisher | The Afghan Times |
| Editor-in-chief | Salma Niazi |
| Deputy editor | Gul Naj |
| Language | English, Pashto and Dari |
| Website | theafghantimes.com |
The Afghan Times is an independent and online news outlet founded in August 2022.[1] Operated primarily by Afghan women journalists, the publication focuses on human rights and women's issues.[2] The outlet provides content in Pashto, Dari and English.[3]
Salma 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][5][6]
Content
[edit]The Afghan Times aims to document and challenge the Taliban's restrictions on women by reporting on their impact through a female perspective.[7] The publication features articles on issues like the ban on women working, the exclusion from education, and the everyday struggles of Afghan women.[8] It also covers broader human rights topics and seeks to engage both local and international audiences.[9]
Know Their Stories
The "Know Their Stories" section of The Afghan Times highlights the struggles of Afghan children, focusing on issues such as child labor, education, and healthcare. These stories reveal the daily hardships children face, particularly in conflict zones and regions impacted by poverty. Through personal accounts, the campaign aims to raise awareness and advocate for improved conditions for Afghanistan's younger population.[10][11]
Open Mic
The Open Mic - podcast by The Afghan Times provides a platform for Afghan women to share their opinions, ideas, and personal stories on various topics. It encourages public participation, offering a space for voices often unheard in mainstream media.[12]
Magazine
The Afghan Times magazine is dedicated to amplifying the voices and stories of Afghan women. It focuses on the struggles, achievements, and contributions of women in various aspects of life, including social, political, and cultural spheres. The magazine aims to empower women by addressing issues such as gender equality, education, and leadership, while providing a platform for women to share their experiences and advocate for change within Afghan society.[13]
Challenges
[edit]Operating under the Taliban's regime presents significant risks for the journalists of The Afghan Times, especially those still in Afghanistan.[14] 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.[15]
Current Status
[edit]Funded 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.[16] 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.[17][18]
See also
[edit]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 15 July 2024.
- ^ "The Taliban will go to any lengths to silence Afghan women — but we will have our voices heard". ABC Religion & Ethics. 12 September 2024. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
- ^ "6 Acts of Resistance By Women in Afghanistan That Show Their True Bravery". Global Citizen. 15 August 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
- ^ "Afghan Women Face Serious Challenges Amid Flooding". thediplomat.com. Retrieved 15 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.
- ^ "Know Their Stories - The Afghan Times". Retrieved 12 October 2024.
- ^ "The Afghan Times Launches New Initiative: "Know Their Stories" to Highlight the Plight of Afghan Children - The Afghan Times". 24 September 2024. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
- ^ "Open Mic - The Afghan Times". Retrieved 12 October 2024.
- ^ "World Food Day 2024: Women's Struggle and Food Insecurity in Afghanistan - The Afghan Times". 9 October 2024. Retrieved 12 October 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.
- ^ Passeri, Ludovica (28 May 2024). "Come continua la lotta delle donne afghane: la storia di Salma" [How the struggle of Afghan women is continuing: the story of Salma]. Sky TG24 (in Italian). Archived from the original on 15 July 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
- ^ "Saeedullah Safi: Three years ago Afghanistan fell to the Taliban and we had to flee the country we loved". The Irish Times. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
- ^ "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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