Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

Post 1945, Central Asia, Afghanistan, Radio Distribution, 2003 - 2020

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Overview

Example of free radios distributed across Afghanistan in rural and remote areas beginning in 2002 by international aid agencies, International Security Assistance Force elements and radio news organisations until the return of the Taliban regime in 2022.

Historical information

Over 60% of men and 90% of women in Afghanistan are illiterate, and radio is still the main means to receive news across the country. Numerous aid and government agencies distributed radios beginning in 2002 distributed across the country. The Afghan Air Force and ISAF supported the distribution drive and help with the transport of the radios to remote and isolated areas across the country. The sets have hand cranked or solar charging ability. The sets come with a torch, which is especially useful for people in rural areas. The radio can also be used to charge mobile phones, a functionality that is particularly useful to people living in areas without electricity. By handing out radios, enabled people to find out what's happening and enjoy entertainment in some of the remotest areas in the country, where there's no internet, newspapers or television.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-54-487

Inscriptions and markings

Within weeks of the beginning of free radio distribution, the devices became the basis of improvised explosive devices. They were used to target foreign military forces and community leaders who opposed Taliban forces. This use remained a threat throughout the continuing program of radio distributions in an ongoing battle for information distribution.

Contextual Information

An example of this type of freely distributed radio is displayed in the Post 1945 Gallery at the Australian Army Museum of Western Australia.

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

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