KABUL (SW) – Journalists in Afghanistan continue to face significant obstacles in their work, grappling with economic hardships and limited access to information.
On Monday, the Afghan Women Journalists’ Organization hosted a special event in Kabul to mark National Journalists’ Day.
Journalists, media activists, and officials from media support organizations gathered to discuss the ongoing restrictions and barriers that hinder the work of journalists, particularly women.
Mashhuda Sarwar, president of the organization, stated that economic difficulties and limited access to information are the primary barriers for journalists, particularly women journalists. She added, “Media outlets, especially female journalists, are struggling with economic challenges. If opportunities are created for women to work, they could work across all of Afghanistan.”
Sana, a journalist at a Kabul-based television station, mentioned that some government institutions do not provide journalists with the necessary information. “Information is not shared in a timely manner, especially with female journalists. We urge officials to genuinely cooperate with journalists in providing access to information and solving economic problems,” she said.
Hila Momand, a journalist who recently lost her job, also expressed concern: “Many journalists have lost their jobs. There needs to be more job opportunities for them. The demand is for the authorities to consider the problems and take action to resolve them.”
Female journalists at the event called on the Ministry of Information and Culture under the Islamic Emirate to facilitate easier access to information and to provide greater support to journalists.
Officials from several media support organizations highlighted that the lack of access to information creates an environment conducive to the spread of rumors.
Yasin Mateen, head of the National Journalists’ House, pointed out, “There are challenges for media outlets, including a lack of access to information and economic issues. Authorities must pay close attention to this so that media outlets receive timely information and rumors can be prevented.”
Khobaib Ghofran, spokesperson for the Ministry of Information and Culture, who attended the event, stressed the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to addressing journalists’ issues.
“If media outlets face difficulties in accessing information, we are here to assist. Efforts are underway to establish a support fund for media outlets. The situation of the media has been improving over the past few years,”
March 17th is celebrated annually as National Journalists’ Day across various provinces of Afghanistan, especially in Kabul.
