Read at 3 different speeds

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

The Taliban has silenced women's voices across Afghanistan. However, women's radio station Radio Begum remains on the airwaves.

Begum is a historic title in South Asia. It's now used to describe a married Muslim woman. Radio Begum made its first broadcast in 2021, on 8th March, which is International Women's Day.

Taliban rule ended most women's rights to work and education. But Radio Begum has continued its programmes, which provide education, book readings and phone-in advice shows.

Hamida Aman set up Radio Begum and believes it will survive.

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."

Although Radio Begum remains on air, the Taliban have demanded some changes. Men and women are unable to share workspaces and pop music has been banned. Only traditional songs and quiet music are permitted.

However, the studio transforms into a classroom twice a day, when people attend lessons in person. Mursal values this rare opportunity.

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."

The purpose of Radio Begum was to offer women a space to share thoughts, feelings and experiences. However, since girls have been denied their education, the station has become one of the few options for continuing learning.

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."