Taliban Shut Down Afghan Radio Station Operated by Women for Broadcasting Music

Sadai Banowan, Afghanistan’s only women-run radio station, has been shut down by the Taliban for playing music during the holy month of Ramadan, according to a Taliban official. The station, which means “women’s voice” in Dari, started 10 years ago and has eight staff, six of whom are female. Moezuddin Ahmadi, the director for Information and Culture in Badakhshan province, said the station violated the “laws and regulations of the Islamic Emirate” several times by broadcasting songs and music during Ramadan. Station head Najia Sorosh denied any violation and called the closure a conspiracy. Many journalists lost their jobs after the Taliban takeover in August 2021, and media outlets have closed due to lack of funds or staff leaving the country. The Taliban have barred women from most forms of employment and education beyond the sixth grade, including university, but there is no official ban on music.