Zahra Joya
@zahrajoya.bsky.social
Journalist| founder of Rukhshana media| https://rukhshana.com/en| views are my own.
Reposted by Zahra Joya
Alex Crawford explained the difficulties of reporting from the ground, with 90 percent of journalist visa applications being refused by the Taliban over the last four years.
rukhshana.com/en/how-can-t...
rukhshana.com/en/how-can-t...
December 3, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Alex Crawford explained the difficulties of reporting from the ground, with 90 percent of journalist visa applications being refused by the Taliban over the last four years.
rukhshana.com/en/how-can-t...
rukhshana.com/en/how-can-t...
“I was so terrified that I don’t even remember how I got out of his office. Afterwards, I swore to myself I would never go near that filthy man again, even if we die of hunger.”
Laila with three children to bring up alone, she found work cooking and cleaning – until that, too, was taken away when the Taliban came to power. Desperate, she went to those in authority to seek their help feeding her family.
rukhshana.com/en/nowhere-t...
rukhshana.com/en/nowhere-t...
November 30, 2025 at 2:25 PM
“I was so terrified that I don’t even remember how I got out of his office. Afterwards, I swore to myself I would never go near that filthy man again, even if we die of hunger.”
This is our latest report on the issue of femicide in Afghanistan.
Rukhshana Media has documented 117 cases of women dying either by suicide or at the hands of a family member or stranger in the 12 months since November 25 last year. The true figure is likely to be much higher.
rukhshana.com/en/violence-...
rukhshana.com/en/violence-...
November 26, 2025 at 9:17 AM
This is our latest report on the issue of femicide in Afghanistan.
The lamps she produces are decorative, but they are also designed to operate reliably despite Afghanistan’s unstable power supply, working even in low-voltage conditions. Setara says they last longer than imported ones.
A small domestic crisis provided the first spark that ignited a new career for Setara. She was home alone one night when the power went out, and she realised she had no clue how to fix the problem.
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/how-a-sma...
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/how-a-sma...
November 19, 2025 at 9:11 AM
The lamps she produces are decorative, but they are also designed to operate reliably despite Afghanistan’s unstable power supply, working even in low-voltage conditions. Setara says they last longer than imported ones.
Reposted by Zahra Joya
Since it was introduced last Wednesday, women seeking treatment have been turned away from hospitals because they weren’t wearing the burqa, while access to government services has also been affected, causing widespread distress and triggering protest.
rukhshana.com/en/taliban-i...
rukhshana.com/en/taliban-i...
November 11, 2025 at 8:14 AM
Since it was introduced last Wednesday, women seeking treatment have been turned away from hospitals because they weren’t wearing the burqa, while access to government services has also been affected, causing widespread distress and triggering protest.
rukhshana.com/en/taliban-i...
rukhshana.com/en/taliban-i...
Reposted by Zahra Joya
Within hours Karishma, who was widowed three years ago, had appeared in court on unspecified charges and been sent to Kabul’s notorious Pul-e-Charkhi jail, Afghanistan’s largest high-security prison.
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/go-with-l...
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/go-with-l...
October 31, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Within hours Karishma, who was widowed three years ago, had appeared in court on unspecified charges and been sent to Kabul’s notorious Pul-e-Charkhi jail, Afghanistan’s largest high-security prison.
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/go-with-l...
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/go-with-l...
Reposted by Zahra Joya
They say they are protecting our “honor,” our “values,” but let’s be honest — they are protecting their fear.
They’re terrified of a woman who can think. Because once a woman begins to think, she begins to question.
rukhshana.com/en/they-shou...
They’re terrified of a woman who can think. Because once a woman begins to think, she begins to question.
rukhshana.com/en/they-shou...
October 19, 2025 at 10:46 AM
They say they are protecting our “honor,” our “values,” but let’s be honest — they are protecting their fear.
They’re terrified of a woman who can think. Because once a woman begins to think, she begins to question.
rukhshana.com/en/they-shou...
They’re terrified of a woman who can think. Because once a woman begins to think, she begins to question.
rukhshana.com/en/they-shou...
Reposted by Zahra Joya
The Taliban held a press conference at the Afghan embassy in New Delhi on Sunday with female journalists present, two days after attracting a storm of criticism for reportedly turning women and foreign journalists away from a similar event.
rukhshana.com/en/taliban-h...
rukhshana.com/en/taliban-h...
October 12, 2025 at 5:39 PM
The Taliban held a press conference at the Afghan embassy in New Delhi on Sunday with female journalists present, two days after attracting a storm of criticism for reportedly turning women and foreign journalists away from a similar event.
rukhshana.com/en/taliban-h...
rukhshana.com/en/taliban-h...
I’m so proud and privileged to be part of this amazing college community! Thank you so much for your support ❤️
Today is International #DayOfTheGirl, and a fitting time to share the work of Hughes Fellow @zahrajoya.bsky.social, founder of @rukhshanamedia.bsky.social, a news agency focused on documenting the challenges and stories of Afghan women and children.
youtu.be/_eOpuNJWiS4?...
youtu.be/_eOpuNJWiS4?...
Ms Zahra Joya
Research Stories: Remarkable people, groundbreaking work, global impact.
In this series, our researchers talk about their work and the difference it is making around the world, from tackling climate…
youtu.be
October 11, 2025 at 11:09 AM
I’m so proud and privileged to be part of this amazing college community! Thank you so much for your support ❤️
A hearing into the Taliban’s treatment of women in Afghanistan opened on Wednesday in the Spanish capital, seeking to amplify the voices of victims and hold the group accountable for human rights violations.
rukhshana.com/en/peoples-t...
rukhshana.com/en/peoples-t...
People’s Tribunal for Afghanistan’s Women Begins in Spain - Rukhshana Media
A hearing into the Taliban’s treatment of women in Afghanistan opened on Wednesday in the Spanish capital, seeking to amplify the voices of victims and hold the group accountable for human rights viol...
rukhshana.com
October 8, 2025 at 10:41 PM
A hearing into the Taliban’s treatment of women in Afghanistan opened on Wednesday in the Spanish capital, seeking to amplify the voices of victims and hold the group accountable for human rights violations.
rukhshana.com/en/peoples-t...
rukhshana.com/en/peoples-t...
Reposted by Zahra Joya
We're delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Gibson as the new chair of the Rukhshana Media board of trustees.
Sarah brings a wealth of experience in international journalism and is a committed advocate for equality and inclusion.1/3
Sarah brings a wealth of experience in international journalism and is a committed advocate for equality and inclusion.1/3
October 6, 2025 at 8:59 AM
We're delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Gibson as the new chair of the Rukhshana Media board of trustees.
Sarah brings a wealth of experience in international journalism and is a committed advocate for equality and inclusion.1/3
Sarah brings a wealth of experience in international journalism and is a committed advocate for equality and inclusion.1/3
Afghanistan was plunged into isolation on Monday as internet services were cut and mobile communications severely disrupted.
Afghanistan was plunged into isolation on Monday as internet services were cut and mobile communications severely disrupted.
rukhshana.com/en/afghanist...
rukhshana.com/en/afghanist...
Afghanistan goes dark as authorities cut internet and telecoms - Rukhshana Media
Internet service providers said they had cut off services “due to the decision and order of government authorities”.
rukhshana.com
September 29, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Afghanistan was plunged into isolation on Monday as internet services were cut and mobile communications severely disrupted.
Then this month, the Afghan Education Ministry wrote to schools saying it was removing 51 subject headings from the curriculum, describing them as anti-Islamic.
Lessons in arts and culture or civic engagement are out. In their place, a renewed focus on religious studies, Sharia law and recitations of the Quran. This is education, Taliban-style.
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/taliban-o...
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/taliban-o...
September 27, 2025 at 6:43 AM
Then this month, the Afghan Education Ministry wrote to schools saying it was removing 51 subject headings from the curriculum, describing them as anti-Islamic.
That was until 2021, when the Taliban returned to power in her native Afghanistan. Now, the pool in Kabul where she used to swim is dry, the building abandoned and its doors bolted against the young women she once coached.
That was until 2021, when the Taliban returned to power in her native Afghanistan. Now, the pool in Kabul where she used to swim is dry, the building abandoned and its doors bolted against the young women she once coached.
rukhshana.com/en/swimming-...
rukhshana.com/en/swimming-...
September 23, 2025 at 9:55 AM
That was until 2021, when the Taliban returned to power in her native Afghanistan. Now, the pool in Kabul where she used to swim is dry, the building abandoned and its doors bolted against the young women she once coached.
Reposted by Zahra Joya
During the @Cam.ac.uk Alumni Festival, @ZahraJoya.bsky.social, Afghan Journalist & founder of @rukhshanamedia.bsky.social, & Laurie Bristow, former UK Ambassador to Afghanistan, will discuss why education is resistance in oppressive regimes.
Details & booking:
www.hughes.cam.ac.uk/about/events...
Details & booking:
www.hughes.cam.ac.uk/about/events...
September 11, 2025 at 9:30 AM
During the @Cam.ac.uk Alumni Festival, @ZahraJoya.bsky.social, Afghan Journalist & founder of @rukhshanamedia.bsky.social, & Laurie Bristow, former UK Ambassador to Afghanistan, will discuss why education is resistance in oppressive regimes.
Details & booking:
www.hughes.cam.ac.uk/about/events...
Details & booking:
www.hughes.cam.ac.uk/about/events...
Reposted by Zahra Joya
the group’s supreme leader had personally taken the decision to allow the removal of women’s photos from the cards on the advice of the Dar al-Ifta, or religious council.
rukhshana.com/en/afghan-wo...
rukhshana.com/en/afghan-wo...
September 18, 2025 at 9:31 AM
the group’s supreme leader had personally taken the decision to allow the removal of women’s photos from the cards on the advice of the Dar al-Ifta, or religious council.
rukhshana.com/en/afghan-wo...
rukhshana.com/en/afghan-wo...
Reposted by Zahra Joya
Most of the children she sees are moderately malnourished, the legacy of poverty and a series of droughts that have compounded the difficulties of life in a region known for its harsh climate.
rukhshana.com/en/how-one-a...
rukhshana.com/en/how-one-a...
September 12, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Most of the children she sees are moderately malnourished, the legacy of poverty and a series of droughts that have compounded the difficulties of life in a region known for its harsh climate.
rukhshana.com/en/how-one-a...
rukhshana.com/en/how-one-a...
Excited to be part of this amazing event! It’s an honor to speak alongside Sir Laurie and share the stage with such inspiring minds.
If you are around and interested, please join us! You could book the tickets for the event! 👇🏿
If you are around and interested, please join us! You could book the tickets for the event! 👇🏿
During the @Cam.ac.uk Alumni Festival, @ZahraJoya.bsky.social, Afghan Journalist & founder of @rukhshanamedia.bsky.social, & Laurie Bristow, former UK Ambassador to Afghanistan, will discuss why education is resistance in oppressive regimes.
Details & booking:
www.hughes.cam.ac.uk/about/events...
Details & booking:
www.hughes.cam.ac.uk/about/events...
September 11, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Excited to be part of this amazing event! It’s an honor to speak alongside Sir Laurie and share the stage with such inspiring minds.
If you are around and interested, please join us! You could book the tickets for the event! 👇🏿
If you are around and interested, please join us! You could book the tickets for the event! 👇🏿
Reposted by Zahra Joya
More than 800 people have been killed in an earthquake in a remote mountainous part of eastern Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman said on Monday.
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/hundreds-...
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/hundreds-...
September 1, 2025 at 11:15 AM
More than 800 people have been killed in an earthquake in a remote mountainous part of eastern Afghanistan, a Taliban spokesman said on Monday.
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/hundreds-...
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/hundreds-...
“Now, I don’t think I can keep going because the risk is too high [but] I don’t know any other work. Our situation is very bad, but in this world there is no one to hear our voice or support us,” she added.
The Taliban have issued an order targeting underground beauty salons operating in secret across Afghanistan, warning the women running them that they have to stop or face arrest.
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/taliban-l...
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/taliban-l...
August 30, 2025 at 2:16 PM
“Now, I don’t think I can keep going because the risk is too high [but] I don’t know any other work. Our situation is very bad, but in this world there is no one to hear our voice or support us,” she added.
Reposted by Zahra Joya
Mahnaz, whose real name we are withholding at her request, is one of around half a dozen women interviewed by Rukhshana Media in Herat who left Afghanistan hoping for a better life and have now returned, penniless and homeless.
rukhshana.com/en/we-have-n...
rukhshana.com/en/we-have-n...
August 8, 2025 at 7:53 AM
Mahnaz, whose real name we are withholding at her request, is one of around half a dozen women interviewed by Rukhshana Media in Herat who left Afghanistan hoping for a better life and have now returned, penniless and homeless.
rukhshana.com/en/we-have-n...
rukhshana.com/en/we-have-n...
Reposted by Zahra Joya
For more than a decade, Radio Nasim had operated as a rare independent and non-partisan voice in central Afghanistan, home to the country’s Hazara ethnic group.
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/afghan-ra...
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/afghan-ra...
August 14, 2025 at 2:52 PM
For more than a decade, Radio Nasim had operated as a rare independent and non-partisan voice in central Afghanistan, home to the country’s Hazara ethnic group.
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/afghan-ra...
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/afghan-ra...
Reposted by Zahra Joya
A hospital worker in Afghanistan has told Rukhshana Media how she was abducted by the Taliban, held captive and gang-raped over several days before being abandoned in the desert and left to die, in what she believes was a punishment for doing her job.
rukhshana.com/en/the-afgha...
rukhshana.com/en/the-afgha...
August 14, 2025 at 4:44 PM
A hospital worker in Afghanistan has told Rukhshana Media how she was abducted by the Taliban, held captive and gang-raped over several days before being abandoned in the desert and left to die, in what she believes was a punishment for doing her job.
rukhshana.com/en/the-afgha...
rukhshana.com/en/the-afgha...
Reposted by Zahra Joya
When the Taliban issued a decree barring women from attending universities, “it felt like everything was over,” she says. “I just read books and scrolled Instagram, but I felt like my life had stopped.”
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/against-a...
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/against-a...
August 19, 2025 at 7:57 AM
When the Taliban issued a decree barring women from attending universities, “it felt like everything was over,” she says. “I just read books and scrolled Instagram, but I felt like my life had stopped.”
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/against-a...
Read more: rukhshana.com/en/against-a...
I’m happy to share that Rukhshana Media has now started publishing in Pashto. With this, we now publish in three languages. Farsi, Pashto and English! This challenging journey wouldn’t have been possible without your generous support. Thank you! 💜
📢 An Update from Rukhshana Media:
We’re thrilled to announce that Rukhshana Media is now publishing stories in Pashto, alongside our existing coverage in Farsi and English!
Explore our Pashto-language content here:
🔗 rukhshana.com/ps/
We’re thrilled to announce that Rukhshana Media is now publishing stories in Pashto, alongside our existing coverage in Farsi and English!
Explore our Pashto-language content here:
🔗 rukhshana.com/ps/
July 31, 2025 at 8:03 AM
I’m happy to share that Rukhshana Media has now started publishing in Pashto. With this, we now publish in three languages. Farsi, Pashto and English! This challenging journey wouldn’t have been possible without your generous support. Thank you! 💜