The endeavours of female journalists in Afghanistan have consistently been fraught with numerous challenges. A lack of access to resources and information, the presence of threats and security risks, gender discrimination, and the absence of governmental support are among the principal obstacles confronting women engaged in the media sector.
Several female journalists currently engaged in media activities express that the working conditions for them are challenging due to various factors, including excessive workloads modest salaries, gender discrimination, and the devaluation of women’s contributions in journalism.
Mozhda (a pseudonym), one such female journalist, not only presents programs at a visual media outlet but also oversees the editing of these programs; however, she laments her meagre salary.
“I work from eight in the morning until five in the evening. I host various recorded and live programs while also editing the pre-recorded shows. The responsibilities I undertake in reputable media outlets would typically be shared by several individuals, yet, in the end, I receive only four thousand Afghanis. Where it is not fear of my dire circumstances, I would not continue working under such conditions.”
Another challenge faced by female journalists is the lack of access to information. Several of these women reporters indicate that discrimination also prevails in the realm of information retrieval.
Soodaba (a pseudonym), another female journalist, states: “Journalists in Afghanistan, particularly female journalists, confront numerous challenges. We are unable to easily obtain the information we require; we cannot participate freely in every program, there exists gender discrimination within the media, female presenters must cover faces, and women journalists undertake a considerable amount of work for a disproportionately low salary.”
This is occurring at a time when, following the fall of the government, a significant number of female journalists have left the country over the past three years, with only a few actively engaged in media activities.
According to a report from the Afghanistan Journalists Center, in the past twelve months, the exodus of media personnel from the country has not only persisted but has followed the trend that began two years ago with the collapse of the republic many journalists have sought employment or intended to emigrate to Western countries, travelling instead to neighbouring nations, particularly Pakistan and Iran.
- نویسنده : Afghanistan Women News Agency
- منبع خبر : Afghanistan Women News Agency
