The 21 million women and girls the world forgot

The episode begins by recalling the rapid rise of the Taliban in August 2021, when journalist Zahra Joya witnessed the fall of Kabul and the country's reversal from a fragile democracy. Since the Taliban's takeover, more than 400 decrees have been issued, with about 100 directly targeting women, including bans on education, jobs, and public appearances without male guardians. Joya compares her life then to now, expressing deep frustration and anger at the loss of her rights and identity.

The podcast features poignant voice notes from women in Afghanistan, sharing their painful experiences and the suffocating reality of living under stringent Taliban restrictions. Joya discusses the psychological impact of these conditions on Afghan women, including increased rates of anxiety and depression, and highlights stories of women who sought education and autonomy but now face humiliation and oppression.

Joya, who founded Afghanistan's first female-led news agency, Rukshana Media, recounts her efforts to give a voice to women in her country despite the danger associated with reporting under the Taliban regime. As she continues her work from exile, she uses her platform to document the plight of women in Afghanistan to the world, reflecting on feelings of betrayal as Afghanistan fades from the global news cycle. Towards the end of the episode, she shares her hopes of returning to Afghanistan and resuming her work in a future where women's rights are restored.