News / Asia

Afghan Government to TV Hosts: Headscarves, Less Makeup

Bahar Jooya prepares herself for a live program at a private TV studio in Herat, Dec. 2009 (file photo).
Bahar Jooya prepares herself for a live program at a private TV studio in Herat, Dec. 2009 (file photo).
TEXT SIZE - +

The Afghanistan government is asking female television presenters to start wearing headscarves and avoid heavy makeup.

The Information and Culture Ministry made the request Wednesday in a letter distributed to the media.

The request comes as Afghan and U.S. officials seek talks with the Taliban in an effort to ensure stability after foreign troops leave.

Human rights activists have expressed concerns about the protection of women as international forces begin withdrawing from the country.

Afghan media has enjoyed considerable freedom since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, with dozens of television stations opening over the decade.

Under Taliban rule in the 1990s, women in Afghanistan were not allowed to go to work, get an education or leave the house without being escorted by a man.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.

You May Like

Experts Weigh In on Challenges of Closing Guantanamo Prison

Former chief military prosecutor at Guantanamo delivers petition to White House with more than 370,000 signatures, demanding facility be closed down immediately More

Karzai to Discuss Enhancing Defense Ties with India

Afghanistan looking for more military aid as it prepares for withdrawal of NATO forces by next year More

India, China Pledge to Overcome Border Tensions

Indian prime minister and Chinese premier attempt to move past tense standoff in the Himalayas during Delhi talks More

Burmese President Opens US Visit with VOA Town Hall Meeting

Ahead of his meeting with President Obama Monday, Thein Sein answered questions on human rights and economic development in his country More

This forum has been closed.
Comments
     
There are no comments in this forum. Be first and add one

Featured Videos

Your JavaScript is turned off or you have an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.
Your JavaScript is turned off or you have an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.
Video

Video US Oil Surge Could Impact Mideast Geopolitics

The United States will account for a third of new oil supplies over the next five years, and will become energy self-sufficient in 20 years, according to a new report by the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA). Although U.S. oil imports from Arab Gulf countries increased last year, analysts predict the U.S. will lose its dependence on Middle East imports, which is expected to have a huge impact on international relations and the balance of power. VOA's Henry Ridgewell reports.