There is a new directive that requires female presenters and reporters on Afghan TV channels to cover their faces while delivering news on air.
This Sunday, May 22, female Afghan reporters appeared on air with veiled faces in compliance with the Taliban’s order, which they had defied just a day prior.
According to the BBC, a presenter revealed that women in the television industry had initially resisted this mandate, but their employers faced significant pressure.
The women adorned hijabs and face-covering veils while delivering news bulletins and other programs across prominent channels such as TOLOnews, Ariana Television, Shamshad TV, and 1TV.
Since wresting control from the Afghan government last year, the Taliban have progressively imposed restrictions on the lives of women.
Farida Sial, a presenter for TOLOnews, expressed to the BBC: “It’s acceptable for us to adhere to Islamic principles, such as wearing a hijab and veiling our hair, but it’s exceedingly challenging for a presenter to ompletely conceal their face for two or three consecutive hours while speaking.”
“Their aim is to eradicate women from the social and political sphere,” she added.
Earlier, the Taliban’s Ministry for the Prevention of Vice and the Promotion of Virtue declared that all women must wear face veils in public, or face repercussions.
Another female Afghan journalist, who chose to remain anonymous, conveyed to the BBC: “Today marks another somber day for the women of my country.”