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Journalist Fellows' Papers

The impact of social media on Afghanistan's social taboos

Reuters Institute Fellow's Paper

In this globalised world, social media can act as an agent, changing mindsets and perceptions in societies, especially where there have been traditional restrictions.

This paper by Bahaar Joya discusses the struggle women in Afghanistan have faced throughout history to achieve their basic rights as individuals. The paper focuses on the impact of social media on Afghanistan’s social taboos, and the changes it is bringing to the lives of a neglected section of Afghan society.

As with all Fellows’ research papers, any opinions expressed are those of the author and not of the Institute.

Meet the authors

Bahaar Joya

Bahaar Joya is a Broadcasting Multi Media Journalist at BBC (Persian) Afghanistan. One of the few women to fill this role since the establishment of the British leading news channel in Kabul. In her last position as Election Commissioner (Western... Read more about Bahaar Joya