Women’s voices fill the void - 5th January 2022

Broadcasting from Kabul, Radio Begum provides a rare channel for women's voices and experiences under the Taliban.

Begum, a modern, colloquial term for a married Muslim woman, has its roots in a title for South Asian aristocracy. Radio Begum, conceived as a vessel for women's voices, pains and frustrations, held its maiden broadcast on 8th March 2021, International Women's Day.

Despite Taliban restrictions imposed on women working and on girls' access to education, the station has so far endured, broadcasting a mix of education shows, book readings and call-in counselling and advocacy, designed to empower and educate women.

Hamida Aman founded the station.

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."

However, adapting to the Taliban regime has meant the station making some concessions. Men and women work in segregated offices and rather than pop music, traditional songs and quieter music travel the airwaves.

Beyond this, the station retains its educational focus, the studio resembling a classroom during its twice daily in-person lessons, where regular attendees like Mursal study and encourage everyone to listen in.

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 initially worked to ensure that women had a means of reaching out and being heard. Following the Taliban's move to bar most girls' access to education, Radio Begum's transmissions have been providing invaluable learning to young people denied this opportunity.

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."