Indian Government Criticized for Ignoring Exclusion of Female Journalists from Afghan Embassy Event

Anger after Female Journalists Excluded from Afghan Embassy Event in India DELHI, INDIA - The Indian government faced criticism on Friday for failing to speak out against the exclusion of female journalists from a press event with the Afghan Taliban foreign minister at the Afghan embassy in Delhi. Around 16 male reporters were selected to attend the forum, while women and foreign media were turned away. The incident sparked outrage among Indian politicians and journalists, who accused the government of condoning sexism and misogyny. "By allowing this event to go ahead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is telling every woman in India that you are too weak to stand up for them," said opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. A source within the Taliban government admitted that women had not been invited to attend, citing a lack of proper coordination as the reason. However, they promised that female journalists would be invited to the next conference if it is held in Delhi. The Editors Guild of India condemned the exclusion of female journalists and called for an explanation from the Indian government. "This incident highlights the deep-seated patriarchy that exists in our society," said a spokesperson for the guild. The Afghan Taliban's treatment of women has been a subject of controversy since they took power last year. The group has imposed strict restrictions on women's rights, including banning them from working outside the home and restricting their access to education. The incident also sparked international condemnation, with human rights groups calling it a "shameful" display of sexism. "This is not just an issue for India or Afghanistan, but for the global community," said a spokesperson for Amnesty International. "It highlights the need for greater accountability and respect for women's rights." The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) claimed that they had no involvement in the press interaction at the Afghan embassy. However, many are questioning their role in allowing the event to go ahead. As the incident continues to spark outrage, the Indian government faces mounting pressure to speak out against sexism and misogyny. The exclusion of female journalists from the press event has raised questions about the country's commitment to women's rights and its treatment of women in the media. In related news, the Afghan Taliban's foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, is scheduled to meet with Indian officials next week for further talks on regional security. However, many are calling for the meetings to be postponed until the issue of sexism and misogyny is addressed. The incident has also sparked a wider debate about sexism in the media and the need for greater representation of women in journalism. "This is not just an issue for India or Afghanistan, but for the global community," said a spokesperson for the International Federation of Journalists. "We must work together to create a more inclusive and equitable media landscape." *Reporting by Bbc.*