Female journalist Najwa Alimi causes emotional storms in various quarters when she reports from one of the world's poorest and least equated countries. Already in September it became clear that she is this year's Per Anger award winner. Today she received the award in place in the Old Town in Stockholm.

- Being a woman and a journalist in Afghanistan, in a society where we are regarded as second class citizens and expected to be at home, requires courage. The view of girls working in the media is that they are worse women - that we spread foreign culture.

Living under death threat

Like her colleagues, Najwa Alimi lives under constant threat of death. In addition, she specializes in reporting taboo-related topics - something that adds more threats. But she is passionate about helping both herself and other women, and to show that it is possible to be a woman and work.

- So far in my life I myself have had no role model. My view is also not that I would be a role model to others. But women who get vulnerable and can't talk about it, who can't laugh, who are silent - their stories give me the power. You have to start somewhere to help them change.

"Community makes us braver"

Najwa Alimi is a reporter on ZAN TV, which means about women's television. The TV channel has been around since 2017 and is an advertising-financed success story. The channel aims to always have at least 80 percent female employees and work to report on issues affecting young Afghan women - such as Islam and feminism, reproductive rights and careers.

- Being surrounded by other women when I work gives strength. The community between us gives more energy and makes us braver.

Najwa Alimi says she is scared every day, but not for what she is exposed to in her work.

- I don't know how to explain it. The courage and desire to do more is stronger than the fear of work. However, what I am afraid of is not being able to work.