Afghanistan’s Only Women-Led Radio Station Resumes Broadcasting After Taliban Lifts Suspension

February 23, 2025 -Afghanistan – 

Afghanistan’s only women-led radio station, Radio Shama, has resumed operations after the Taliban lifted a temporary suspension imposed earlier this year. The station, which focuses on women’s rights, social issues, and culture, had been forced off the air in January 2025 following pressure from Taliban authorities, who cited unspecified “violations” as reasons for the shutdown.

Radio Shama holds a unique place in Afghanistan’s media landscape as a rare platform run entirely by women, aimed at amplifying female voices in a country where women’s freedoms have been severely curtailed since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The station’s programming includes discussions on women’s education, health, and social participation, topics often marginalized or banned by the Taliban regime.

The suspension sparked widespread concern among international human rights groups and media advocates, who viewed it as part of a broader crackdown on women’s rights and independent journalism under Taliban rule. The station’s closure was criticized as an attempt to silence women’s voices and limit public discourse on gender equality.

Following advocacy and negotiations by local and international organizations, the Taliban authorities reversed the suspension, allowing Radio Shama to resume broadcasts in May 2025. The station’s management expressed cautious optimism but emphasized that continued vigilance is necessary given the fragile environment for women’s rights and free expression in Afghanistan.

Listeners and activists welcomed the reopening, highlighting Radio Shama’s role in providing vital information and fostering dialogue for Afghan women. However, challenges remain, as the Taliban continues to impose strict restrictions on media and civil society, and the future of women-led initiatives in the country remains uncertain.

Radio Shama’s experience reflects the ongoing struggle for press freedom and women’s empowerment in Afghanistan, illustrating both the resilience of local activists and the persistent obstacles posed by the current regime’s policies.