IRSHAD AN-NISWAAN

The first Afghan women's journal.

Irshad An-Niswaan (Lady's guide), the first Afghan women's journal, was established in March 1921 as a weekly in Kabul under the direction of three people: Asma Rasmiyya; the famous Afghan journalist Mahmud Tarzi; and the mother of Queen Surraya. Ruhafza, the editor of Irshad An-Niswaan, was related to Mahmud Tarzi. In addition to national and international news, Irshad An-Niswaan published articles of particular interest to women. Its mission was to inform women of important national and international issues and make them aware of their rights and responsibilities as mothers and citizens. The journal also provided an opportunity for young women writers to contribute articles for publication. Irshad An-Niswaan was published in Persian and was intended primarily for upper-class, educated women readers and female students. It ceased publication after the fall of King Amanullah in 1929.

In 1994, during the government of Burhanuddin Rabbani, a short-lived monthly bilingual women's magazine, in Persian and Pashtun, took the same name and was published in Kabul under the editorship of Laila Sarahat Rushani. It focused primarily on the social life and traditional activities of women but included articles on literature and politics as well.

see also afghanistan: overview; gender: gender and education; newspapers and print media: arab countries; queen surraya.

senzil nawid