UMass Boston scholar fights for women's rights and media access in Afghanistan

[theHandpuppet]

The Mass Media (UMass Boston)
UMass Boston scholar fights for women's rights and media access in Afghanistan
Monday, October 6, 2014

Samiullah Mahdi, who is a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Massachusetts Boston, understands the significance of changes in media and women’s rights in Afghanistan over the past 13 years.

"Thirteen years ago, watching television or owning one was illegal in Afghanistan, now the country has over a hundred of TV stations," explained Mahdi.

Mahdi himself has produced and created several shows on 1TV including Kabul Live Debates and The Niqab. Television plays a major role in bringing change in the country. There are several TV shows that discuss taboo topics like domestic violence and relationships between men and women.

In addition to addressing problems that many would describe as personal, Afghan television is also making strides in helping people express their political views, even if it means being critical of the government. “We have the best media environment in the region,” claims Mahdi, “People are criticizing all levels of authorities, this is unimaginable in many of our neighboring countries, especially in China and Iran.”....

MORE at http://www.umassmedia.com/news/umass-boston-scholar-fights-for-women-s-rights-and-media/article_8c7ab3c2-4d90-11e4-af66-001a4bcf6878.html