A Twitter hashtag “FreeHerFace” that began on Monday in support of female presenters on TV programs who are forced to wear masks while appearing on camera has been retweeted by notable international figures and was trending in Afghanistan.

The male presenters in solidarity with female presenters wore masks while presenting their programs at some TV channels including TOLOnews.  

“When we are performing a program, the proper pronunciation of letters and words is important. Wearing masks in an enclosed area is very difficult. We cannot have a good picture for our viewers” said Suhaila Yousufi, a journalist.  

“If these issues continue, we will be faced with the collapse of economic, cultural, political and social aspects of life in Afghanistan,” said Farah Mustafawi, a female rights defender.  

The Twitter hashtag was used by foreign TV presenters and some famous figures to offer their solidarity with the Afghan female presenters.  

The hashtag was used by:  

Ziauddin Yousafzai, a Pakistani education activist  

Kai Eide, former UN special envoy for Afghanistan  

Jon Williams, Managing Director RTÉ News 

The hashtag was supported by Human Rights Watch, which called on international countries to support it.