Radio lessons in Afghanistan - 5th January 2022

In Afghanistan, Radio Begum is one place where you can still hear women's voices.

Women have few opportunities because of the Taliban. But Radio Begum is run by women and for women.

The word Begum means a married Muslim woman. Radio Begum began life on International Women's Day 2021.

The radio station, which only focuses on women, is allowed to continue. Its programmes include educational, book reading and phone-in shows.

Hamida Aman, who started the station, is hopeful.

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."

Some things have changed at Radio Begum. The Taliban won't let men and women work together. It won't allow pop music either. It's replaced by traditional songs or quiet music.

People still come to Radio Begum for lessons twice a day. For Mursal, it's the only opportunity for education.

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 was set up to give women a voice. Now the Taliban have stopped girls going to school, it's about more than women sharing experiences. It's a rare opportunity to continue girls' 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."