Afghan women reporters still face abysmal difficult condition

A recent survey by Tasawi Socio-cultural institution on Afghan women reporters shows that they still are in danger and face difficult situations.

Around 165 women reporters have been interviewed in the survey that indicates their challenges such as; discrimination, violence, low salary and the uncertain future.

The survey highlights how dangerous the work environment for Afghan women journalists in Afghanistan has become.

The security situation in the country has deteriorated in recent months, particularly as the Taliban have launched a wave of deadly assaults and intensified bloody attacks. Journalists, who because of the nature of their jobs must be out in the open, have been particularly vulnerable.

“Lack of access to information, security problems, self-censorship due to fear of consequences are the main problems of reporters. But unfortunately, Afghan women reporters have also face anti-social collision, misogynistic encounters, patriarchal culture and incorrect traditions,” Masuma Muhammadi, head of Tasawi Socio-cultural institution said.

Another, more direct and overt challenge is the seemingly worsening security situation for media workers in general, and the particular threats faced by women. Since 2001, 49 journalists have been killed, and attacks went up 64 per cent from 2013 to 2014, according to a recent report from Human Rights Watch.

What’s more, they face a multi-pronged assault – from the government and local authorities, as well as from war lords and the Taliban. Meanwhile, impunity for such crimes persists.

The media in Afghanistan have grown exponentially since 2002 and are increasingly playing a role in public life – interviewing and criticizing politicians and public officials.

The problem is that many Afghan officials do not embrace the idea that they are accountable to the general public.

A number of activists in reporting are also said to believe that by working in a difficult condition, Afghan women also receive a very low wages.

The survey comes as many have expressed concern that President Ghani increasing desire to negotiate with the Taliban could roll back any progress made on improving human rights for women.