Proximities

In this week's episode, we're joined by Zahra Joya and Amie Ferris Rotman, who have co-authored a new book, "The Vanishing Girl of Kabul." 

The book tells the remarkable story of Zahra's determined and fearless journey into journalism in a patriarchal society, which resulted in her establishing Rukhshana Media, one of Afghanistan's first female-led newsrooms. 

Zahra was forced to flee her country after the Taliban returned to power in 2021 and threatened her life and the lives of other female journalists. But she continues to run Rukhshana Media from exile in London, relying on a brave group of women reporting underground in Afghanistan.

"The Vanishing Girl of Kabul" is a tale of resilience and profound courage as Afghan women continue to resist the Taliban's system of gender apartheid. 

Buy "The Vanishing Girl of Kabul" here.
The Vanishing Girl of Kabul a book by Zahra Joya

Rukshana Media: https://rukhshana.com/en/ 

Amie's website: https://www.amieferrisrotman.com/ 

The Proximities newsletter: https://www.proximities.news/ 

Barry is on X here: https://x.com/malonebarry 
And on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/malonebarry/ 

Creators and Guests

Host
Barry Malone
Independent Journalist
Guest
Amie Ferris-Rotman
Award-winning journalist, editor and author. Previously Reuters, Washington Post, New Lines Mag, via Moscow, Kabul and London
Producer
David Tarbox
Podcast Producer
Guest
Zahra Joya
Journalist, Author and Founder of Rukhshana Media

What is Proximities?

Former foreign correspondent and international news editor Barry Malone talks to the journalists covering the non-Western news we rarely hear about. Expect under-reported stories told by the people closest to them.

Proximities hosts intelligent discussions on the most important stories from Africa, the Middle East, Asia and more.

We cover the news that is getting the least attention in the mainstream international media, and add missing context to the stories that are.

Sign up to our newsletter here: proximities.news