A new magazine
For the modern Women of Kabul
Not a bikini in sight
THE women of Afghanistan now have their own magazine, backed by Elle, a stylish French publication. But the more conservative forces in the country need not worry, at least not yet. The 36-page monthly does not feature the latest bikini collection or tips on liposuction. The magazine, called Roz (the Day) is printed in black and white, the best that Afghan technology can provide at the moment. The articles, in Pushtu and Dari—the main Afghan idioms—with some translated into French and English, offer advice on daily life, health, hair and skin care, and parenting. There is some poetry and fiction, and the unavoidable horoscope. Following the fall of the Taliban, a group of Afghan women led by Laiorna.
Ahmadi, a former radio joumalist, planned the magazine, but had no money. Over the years Elle has run many articles on Afghan women. Now it and its parent company, Hachette Filipacchi, have provided Miss Ahmadi and her team with publishing equipment and the money to get things moving. She has a staff of four and some freelance contributors. The first issue of 1,500 copies, published this month, was free. Future ones will cost the equivalent of 20 cents.
The market at present is small. Afghans are poor: 20 cents buys two loaves of bread. Eight Afghan women out of ten cannot read. But, says Miss Ahmadi, at least the two who can now have something written for them.
The Economist, 27 de abril de 2002.
a) O que vem a ser Roz?
b) De que modo Elle participou da criação de Roz?
c) Por que, de acordo com o texto, as forças conservadoras do Afeganistão ainda não precisam se preocupar com Roz?