Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Reporting in Silence: Young Journalist of the Year on working in secret under Taliban rule

13/12/2024

Reporting in secret under the oppressive shadow of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, Thomson's Young Journalist of the Year for 2024 is a woman whose fearless journalism for The Afghan Times-an outlet founded by Afghan women journalists and now run in exile-has brought to light critical stories, from the closure of women-only restaurants to the struggles of women impacted by natural disasters.

In this exclusive interview, she shares her journey as a journalist in one of the world's most dangerous environments, the challenges of working under constant threat and the unwavering mission that drives her.

When and why did you decide to become a journalist? I decided to become a journalist because I wanted to be a voice for the voiceless, especially Afghan women who have been marginalised for decades. Growing up, I saw the struggles of women in my country and felt a responsibility to share their stories with the world. Journalism felt like a powerful way to bring attention to the injustices they face and to advocate for change.

When I started working with The Afghan Times in 2022, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility. It became an important part of my life, shaping how I approach my work and allowing me to tell stories that truly matter. Every day, I feel proud of the work I do with The Afghan Times. The stories I've worked on have reached audiences in a meaningful way, and I am encouraged by the impact they have had. Through The Afghan Times, I feel like I can contribute in a good style and format that resonates with readers.

What are the particular problems you face working as a woman journalist in Afghanistan, and can you describe what a working day for you is like? The main challenges include severe restrictions on my movement and constant fear of being targeted by the Taliban. As a woman, I am not allowed to work publicly or openly. A typical working day involves operating in secrecy, using encrypted tools to communicate with sources, and planning every step carefully to avoid detection.

I also face significant difficulties in accessing information, as government sources and official channels are largely unavailable to women journalists. The Taliban's policies mean I cannot freely meet with sources or conduct interviews in public. Many sources, especially women, fear retaliation for speaking out, making it even harder to gather firsthand accounts.

The stigma attached to women journalists is another obstacle. In addition to the Talibans restrictions, societal attitudes influenced by their ideology often result in harassment or hostility from civilians. Technical challenges, such as limited internet access or surveillance risks, further complicate the reporting process.

As a young team in Afghanistan, we also lack the proper equipment needed for professional journalism. We often rely on basic tools that are inadequate for the scale and sensitivity of the work we do. This limitation makes it harder to produce high-quality reports and maintain the security needed in such a risky environment.

Every day is filled with a constant balance of caution and commitment. While these challenges are overwhelming at times, they fuel my determination to continue shedding light on the stories that need to be told.

Without putting yourself at risk, can you reveal the sort of security measures you have to take and your biggest challenges when gathering stories and working with sources? I rely on encrypted communication methods and a trusted network of sources who understand the risks we all face. I avoid leaving any digital or physical trail that could lead to me or my work. The biggest challenge is accessing firsthand accounts while ensuring the safety of both my sources and myself. The risk of surveillance or retaliation is always present. Our editor-in-chief, Salma Niazi, is instrumental in guiding us through these challenges, providing training and instructions at every step to ensure our safety and the accuracy of our work.

What do you fear the most about doing your job? My biggest fear is endangering the lives of those who share their stories with me. The Talibans strict control and their willingness to punish dissent make every interaction potentially life-threatening for both my sources and myself.

The restrictions on women are constantly changing and being updated. How do you adapt? Adapting requires staying informed about the latest decrees and understanding the risks they pose. I adjust my reporting methods, avoid high-risk areas, and lean on my network for support. Flexibility and vigilance are critical to surviving in such an unpredictable environment.

Our editorial team also plays a vital role in ensuring our safety. They carefully monitor the changing restrictions and frequently update our working methods to keep us protected. Every detail is considered meticulously, allowing us to continue our work as safely as possible in such a dangerous context.

Are there any particular stories you've reported on that have stayed with you or had a significant impact? One story that deeply moved me was about women-only restaurants being shut down. These spaces symbolised a small but meaningful freedom for Afghan women, and their closure marked another devastating loss under Taliban rule. Reporting on the child labour crisis also stays with me-it revealed the harsh reality faced by children in Afghanistan, forced into labour due to poverty and restrictions on womens employment.

How do you decide which stories to pursue in such a restrictive environment? I prioritise stories that shed light on the struggles of marginalized groups, especially women and children. Each story is chosen based on its potential to amplify their voices and bring international attention to their plight, while also weighing the risks involved in pursuing it.

With so many challenges and increa
LINK: http://www.thomsonfoundation.org/latest/reporting-in-silence-young-jou...
See more stories from thompsonfoundation

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

01/06/2026

Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026

January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026 Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...

01/05/2026

NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to Integrate Dolby's Full Suite of Premium Picture and Sound Innovations

January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...

01/04/2026

DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION

January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...

23/01/2026

L3Harris Data Links: Resilient, Mission-Proven C5ISR Solutions

Coalition military forces operating across the vast geography of the Indo-Pacific rely on interoperable, secure data links to share intelligence, surveillance a...

23/01/2026

Why Air Forces Are Choosing L3Harris Airborne Early Warning and Control

Artist rendering of L3Harris Technologies' AERIS next generation airborne early warning and control solution....

23/01/2026

The C-130 Cockpit Advantage

The U.S. Air Force AMP Increment II aircraft at L3Harris' facility in Waco, Texas. L3Harris has modernized C-130 avionics since 1985, delivering digital coc...

23/01/2026

A Game-Changer for Caption & Subtitle QC - Now Integrated!

Paramount is transforming its operations by unifying the media supply chains of their top brands into a scalable global pipeline. This transformation enhances ...

23/01/2026

Should we automate or augment with AI?

Every delay costs. When a subtitle fails QC, even the smallest issue can mean missed deadlines, extra vendor costs, or frustrated teams. The new Accurate.Video ...

23/01/2026

Nielsen Renews Partnership With Gray Media for Local TV Measurement Across All of Its 113 DMAs

Multi-year deal utilizes Nielsen's full suite of local audience marketing in...

23/01/2026

Nielsen Announces Pricing of Upsized $1.5 Billion Offering of Senior Secured Notes by its Affiliate

New York, NY January 21, 2026 - Neptune BidCo US Inc. (the Issuer or the Co...

23/01/2026

ALT Systems Launches PixSpan Data - Making PixMover Platf...

ALT Systems, Inc., a leading system integrator and technology solutions provider for the media and entertainment industry, today announced the launch of PixSpan...

23/01/2026

AIMS to Officially Launch IPMX as a Fully Developed Stand...

The Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS) will mark a major milestone for Pro AV-over-IP at ISE 2026 with the official launch of Internet Protocol Media Experi...

23/01/2026

KRK to Premiere New Flagship V Series Five Monitors for P...

KRK, a leader in professional studio monitoring for nearly four decades, will unveil the all new V Series Five at the 2026 NAMM Show, offering attendees an excl...

23/01/2026

SMPTE Announces Steve LLamb as ISO-TC 36 Cinematography C...

SMPTE , the home of media professionals, technologists, and engineers, today announced Steve LLamb, Vice President of Technology Standards and Solutions for Cin...

23/01/2026

IBC announces call for Technical Papers for IBC2026 Confe...

IBC today announces that the call for Technical Papers is now open for the IBC2026 Conference, inviting innovators from across the global media, entertainment, ...

23/01/2026

Asharq News AMPPs up its Cloud-Based Disaster Recovery

Grass Valley has announced that Asharq News, the leading multi-platform Arabic news service owned by the Saudi Research & Media Group (SRMG), has expanded its c...

23/01/2026

Rohde & Schwarz, Qualcomm, and Motorola demonstrate succe...

At the SET Expo 2025, a consortium including Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., Motorola, and Rohde & Schwarz successfully demonstrated a real-world proof-of-concept ...

23/01/2026

Dalet Appoints Gwen Braygreen as Executive Vice President...

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the appointment of Gwen Braygreen as Executive Vice President and...

23/01/2026

Industry Leaders Unite to Create First-Ever End-to-End Cr...

Alfalite, Brainstorm, Dejero, Domo Broadcast Systems, FOR-A, KitPlus, Ontario Soluciones and RGB Spectrum partner to demonstrate revolutionary integrated soluti...

23/01/2026

Vizrt Powers a New Era of Corporate Viewer Engagement wit...

Vizrt, the leader in live production technology revolutionizing viewer experience and engagement, expands its team to ignite a new era of professional-grade pro...

23/01/2026

LOGIC media solutions becomes launch partner of the AWS E...

LOGIC media solutions, an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Advanced Partner specialising in AWS-based media workflows, is one of the official launch partners of the ne...

23/01/2026

Chyron Promotes Owen Seaton to VP, Venue Solutions

Share Share by: Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Pinterest Bluesky Email...

23/01/2026

MPA Backs ATSC 3.0 Content Security Protections in FCC Comments

Share Share by: Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Pinterest Bluesky Email...

23/01/2026

NDI 6.3 Core Tech Update to Be Demoed at ISE

Share Share by: Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Pinterest Bluesky Email...

23/01/2026

ISE: Sony Electronics Announces Crystal LED S Series

Share Share by: Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Pinterest Bluesky Email...

23/01/2026

SMPTE Announces Steve LLamb as ISO/TC 36 Cinematography Chair

Share Share by: Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Pinterest Bluesky Email...

23/01/2026

RTDNA Foundation Announces 2026 First Amendment Award Honorees

Share Share by: Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Pinterest Bluesky Email...

23/01/2026

Paramount+ Launches Programmatic Access to Marquee Live Sports

Share Share by: Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Pinterest Bluesky Email...

23/01/2026

Pavane' Drops Teaser Ahead of February 20 Debut - A Tender Story of Three Hearts Finding Their Way

Back to All News Pavane' Drops Teaser Ahead of February 20 Debut - A Tende...

23/01/2026

FY2025 Full Year Results

FY2025 Full Year Results...

23/01/2026

Oscar nomination for RT supported film Retirement Plan

RT is delighted to announce that the RT and F s ireann / Screen Ireland supported short film Retirement Plan has been nominated for Best Animated Short at th...

22/01/2026

SVG Students To Watch: Chuck Luarasi, Curry College

SVG Students To Watch: Chuck Luarasi, Curry CollegeThe Massachusetts native is cutting his teeth with Harvard Athletics, Cape Cod Baseball LeagueBy Brandon Cost...

22/01/2026

Follow the Money, Episode 4: Talking Tech, Sports, and Private Capital With Sam McCleery and Alysse Soll

Follow the Money, Episode 4: Talking Tech, Sports, and Private Capital With Sam ...

22/01/2026

Fever Pitch: WRC is Back for the Start of the 2026 Season With Rallye Monte-Carlo in 1080p For the First Time

Fever pitch: WRC is back for the start of the 2026 season with Rallye Monte-Carl...

22/01/2026

FloSports Prepares To Broadcast Outdoor Hockey Game Amidst Brutally Cold Temperatures in Southern Minnesota

FloSports Prepares To Broadcast Outdoor Hockey Game Amidst Brutally Cold Tempera...

22/01/2026

As Paramount+ Enters the Octagon, UFC's Craig Borsari Previews Production Plans, Teases Innovations

As Paramount Enters the Octagon, UFC's Craig Borsari Previews Production Pl...

22/01/2026

A Recluse Goes on a Quest To Save His Dog and Fight a Demon in OBEX

By Jordan Crucchiola It's a desire you hear so often among those in filmmaking circles. I just want to make cool stuff with my friends. With the NEXT selec...

22/01/2026

Lyrical Seeds Is a Stunning Portrait of Black Generational Farmers

Brittany Shyne attends the 2025 Sundance Film Festival premiere of Seeds at The Ray Theatre on January 25, 2025, in Park City, UT. (Photo by Robin Marshall/Sh...

22/01/2026

Sundance Institute-Supported Train Dreams, If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, and More Land Oscar Nominations

Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones appear in Train Dreams by Clint Bentley, an off...

22/01/2026

Watch Ed Sheeran's Dublin Concert in a New Billions Club Live Film on Spotify

Last November, Ed Sheeran returned to his musical roots for an intimate, one-nig...

22/01/2026

L3Harris to Provide Advanced Technology for Korean Geostationary Weather Satellite

MELBOURNE, Fla., Jan 22, 2026 - L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has received a...

22/01/2026

Should we automate or augment AI?

Every delay costs. When a subtitle fails QC, even the smallest issue can mean missed deadlines, extra vendor costs, or frustrated teams. The new Accurate.Video ...

22/01/2026

Gracenote Appoints AdTech Veteran Bill Condon First Head of Advertising Sales

Strategic hire marks latest milestone in Gracenote's continued expansion into CTV advertising & monetization New York - January 21, 2026 - Nielsen's Gr...

22/01/2026

IBC Issues Call for Technical Papers for IBC2026 Conference

Share Share by: Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Pinterest Bluesky Email...

22/01/2026

Spectrum to Award $1 Million in 2026 Digital Education Grants

Share Share by: Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Pinterest Bluesky Email...

22/01/2026

StreamGuys Bolsters Its Audio Advertising Ranks

Share Share by: Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Pinterest Bluesky Email...

22/01/2026

NAB, Broadcasters Press FCC to End Ownership Caps

Share Share by: Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Pinterest Bluesky Email...

22/01/2026

Maxon Hires Steve Forde as Chief Product Officer

Share Share by: Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Pinterest Bluesky Email...