Panel on Afghan Women’s Rights and Media Challenges Held at Italian Journalism Festival

A panel discussion addressing the reporting landscape in Afghanistan was convened at the 20th International Journalism Festival in Perugia, Italy. Hosted by Rokhshana Media, the session focused on the structural suppression of women and the operational challenges faced by journalists under current restrictions.

The discussion was moderated by Mira, chief executive of Internews Europe, and featured remarks from journalists Zahra Joya, Alex Crawford, and Amy Freeth-Rathman. During the session, Joya characterized the policies implemented by the Taliban over the past five years as a system of gender apartheid. She stated that independent media operations have become unviable, noting that many journalists are now forced to conduct their reporting underground to avoid restrictions.

Festival organizers used the event to call on international media professionals to prioritize the narratives of Afghan women in their coverage. They emphasized the necessity of accurate reporting that reflects the daily realities and living conditions of women across the country.

The panel underscored the broader difficulties encountered by female journalists and media workers in Afghanistan. Speakers noted that despite severe constraints on press freedom and public participation, independent media organizations continue to document the experiences of Afghan women. The session concluded with an appeal for global newsrooms to maintain sustained editorial focus on the situation in Afghanistan and to ensure that women’s voices remain central to international reporting.