Afghan women gain media presence

For the first time in more than a decade, women in the western Afghan province of Herat are to be allowed to perform on radio, television, and the stage.

The move follows a decree from the provincial Governor, Ismail Khan, effective from Tuesday.

Women were first prohibited from working in entertainment media during the period of mujahideen rule after the fall of the Najibullah government in 1992.

The prohibition continued under the Taleban government.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service