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Reporting

Faces of defiance: the women fearlessly standing up to the Taliban in Afghanistan

August 6, 2017 | Paula Bronstein | Times

The atmosphere is buzzing. Young men, women and children in their best, brightly coloured outfits clap and cheer, their faces swiped by pink and blue strobe lights. Dry ice rises from the stage, where the presenter in a claret jacket and bow tie struts and introduces the acts in between plugging fizzy drinks.

Afghanistan’s equivalent of Pop Idol is the country’s most popular programme, drawing 12m viewers – close to half the population. For the first time, a woman is in the final – an 18-year-old schoolgirl in a long brocade dress is up against a rapping barber in a New York Yankees baseball cap, leather jacket and sunglasses.

It’s a scene that would have been impossible 16 years ago – before the American-led invasion toppled…

About the Author

Paula Bronstein

Paula Bronstein is a United States freelance photojournalist currently working in Kyiv. Bronstein is best known for her work documenting humanity and covering compelling issues with extensive expertise in many… Read More.

Original Publication
Times
Related Topics
Politics
Women's Rights
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