Women's voices heard from afar - 5th January 2022

From Taliban-controlled Kabul, Radio Begum is broadcasting the voices of women, which have been muted across Afghanistan.

The word Begum, originally a noble title in South Asia, but has come to mean a married Muslim woman. Taking this name, the station was, appropriately, launched on 8th March, International Women's Day 2021.

But even though the Taliban are severely restricting women's ability to work and girls' right to education, the station has continued. Programming consists of education shows, book readings and call-in counselling, all of which help support women's education.

Hamida Aman is the founder of Radio Begum.

Hamida Aman: "For me, the radio was very obvious, the obvious solution, because it's just a voice, there is no image and it was a fully dedicated radio for woman. And, in my belief, I thought that Taliban wouldn't forbid this kind of approach because it's, it's a, it's a, it's a public service for woman mostly."

While the Taliban are permitting it to broadcast, Radio Begum's been forced to make changes. Men and women no longer work alongside each other and instead of pop music being played, it features traditional songs and quieter music.

Yet twice a day, the radio studio transforms into a makeshift classroom. People arrive to take advantage of the classes, including regular attendee Mursal.

Mursal: "My message to everyone is that they should listen to our programme carefully. And those who are not going to school must make use of this golden opportunity because they might not have this chance again."

Radio Begum began its mission intending that women should have a forum in which they could be heard. However, with the vast majority of girls barred from schools, its broadcasts now represent a scarce opportunity to receive an education.

Hamida Aman: "This radio it's the space to receive all they, they fears, they impressions, they feelings, they, they stories. And also it a way for them to raise they voice at least if outside everything is locked for them, and they are locked inside. At least they can contact at through telephone, through any different way to, and to listen to us."