Afghanistan

Host Jamie McGoldrick speaks with Afghan journalist Zahra Joya, who was named one of Time’s Women of the Year in 2022. She created Rukhshana Media in November 2020, the publication covers women’s issues in Afghanistan including reproductive health, sexual violence, and gender discrimination. Jamie speaks with her about the humanitarian crisis in the nation as the Taliban places restrictions on what women can do. Zahra describes a difficult situation, with hunger and high levels of poverty. She explains how the situation is especially challenging for women who were breadwinners in their families. They are struggling to bring home income with restrictions on women’s ability to get jobs or even leave the home without a male escort. Jamie also asks Zahra about the obstacles with humanitarian assistance as the Taliban has banned Afghan women aid workers. Zahra says there are certain issues better suited for a woman aid worker than a man, especially when it comes to healthcare.