Afghanistan As Friend

Some politicians and feminists are screaming that it is outrageous that the Taliban could display its misogyny on Indian soil by barring women journalists — both Indian and foreign

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Some politicians and feminists are screaming that it is outrageous that the Taliban could display its misogyny on Indian soil by barring women journalists — both Indian and foreign - from attending a Press conference addressed by Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi at its Embassy in New Delhi on 10 October. Only 16 male reporters were selected for the event.

Some of the women journalists, bristling with anger for becoming victims of the unprecedented gender discrimination, said among the issues they had plans to raise with Muttaqi was the plight of Afghan women who have been robbed of their democratic rights by the Taliban government. These same women journalists have been totally quiet and distanced in matters relating to women’s problems within India. Hardly any of them can claim to have a record of questioning India’s ministers in matters of harassment and deprivation of women at home. Questioning a visiting foreign minister and showing journalistic bravado underpins a dangerous trend.