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

Afghan journalist Tahmina Usmani, a former TOLOnews anchor, explains her escape from Afghanistan after Taliban restrictions on women in broadcasting. She continued presenting news after the Taliban returned to power, appearing on air with her face covered when a dress code was imposed. She left the country, moved to Pakistan, and later relocated to Paris, where she studies human rights.

Afghan journalist Tahmina Usmani, a former TOLOnews anchor, has described her escape from Afghanistan, citing censorship, threats, and tightening restrictions that made it impossible for her to continue working freely or safely. Usmani, 23, became one of the most visible women in Afghan media after the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. She continued presenting news as female journalists disappeared from screens, then appeared on air with her face covered when authorities imposed a new dress code in May 2022. She told The Media Line that her decision to remain on television reflected her commitment to journalism and her determination to preserve a public voice for Afghan women. Usmani eventually concluded that remaining was no longer safe and left the country, moving to Pakistan to join Afghanistan International, an exile broadcaster. She later relocated to France and is studying human rights at Sciences Po in Paris. She hopes to advocate for Afghan women and journalists denied opportunities at home.