Afghan journalist explains her escape from Taliban after restrictions on women in broadcasting

Afghan journalist Tahmina Usmani became a prominent figure in her country's media landscape after the Taliban regained control in August 2021. She continued presenting news even as other female journalists disappeared from television screens, and later appeared on air with her face covered following a new Taliban dress code.

Now based in Paris, Usmani told The Media Line that her decision to stay on television was driven by her dedication to journalism and her resolve to maintain a public platform for Afghan women. "Honestly speaking, she was a strong supporter of my dreams," Usmani said of her mother, who had been denied an education herself.

Usmani earned degrees in law, political science, and journalism from Rana University in Kabul. She began her broadcasting career at Noor TV and later joined TOLOnews in August 2020. She returned to political news programming on August 27, 2021, less than two weeks after the Taliban's takeover.

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Honestly speaking, she was a strong supporter of my dreams.

Her presence on air became part of a broader struggle over women's role in Afghanistan's media. In May 2022, Taliban authorities mandated that female television presenters cover their faces. Although women initially resisted, they were informed that refusal would lead to reassignment or dismissal. Usmani subsequently appeared on TOLOnews wearing a face covering, with international photographs capturing this as a symbol of the Taliban's increasing control over women journalists.

"It is very difficult for us," Usmani stated at the time, explaining the physical challenges of presenting while veiled. Male TOLOnews employees later wore masks in solidarity with their female colleagues. Despite Taliban claims that women would remain in broadcasting, restrictions have expanded to include bans on television dramas featuring women and increasing pressure on journalists regarding their reporting and interview questions.

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It is very difficult for us.