The harrowing story of two young women coming of age at the end of their world.

Inside Kabul

Hosted by Caroline Gillet and Marwa and Raha

In the summer of 2021, the Taliban returns to power in Afghanistan and the destinies of two young women, Raha and Marwa, are forever changed. As they contemplate their futures, Raha and Marwa exchange and record hundreds of voice notes with noted French journalist Caroline Gillet.

What emerges is a raw and incredibly intimate chronicle of two young women coming of age amidst the collapse of the world they had known. While Raha has chosen to stay in Kabul and is confronted with the violence of the new regime, Marwa has left and finds herself locked up in a refugee camp in Abu Dhabi.

Inside Kabul tells a universal story of friendship, bravery and the meaning of home.


Director: Caroline Gillet, Marwa and Raha
Editing and sound design: Anna Buy
Assistant editing: Cyrielle Thelot, assisted by Daphné Leblond
Translation: Daphné Leblond and Josh Vardey
Music research: Romain Couturier
Mix: Basile Beaucaire
Image credits: Luciano Lepinay after Kubra Khademi.

Original podcast broadcast on France INTER / RADIO FRANCE © RADIO FRANCE. Exclusive distribution for Canadaland. The English-language adaptation premieres on July 17, 2024.

Latest Episodes Most Popular

Ep. 9 – June: Meeting with Marwa

After months of trading voice memos and messages, Caroline meets Marwa in person in Germany.
August 28, 2024

Ep. 8 – May: “Wish me luck”

It has been ten months since the arrival of the Taliban.
August 28, 2024

Ep. 7 – April/May: New Spaces

Marwa arrives in Germany and everything surprises her. Raha sends the terrifying sounds of the end of Ramadan.
August 21, 2024

Ep. 6 – April: First Ramadan in Kabul

Marwa and Raha celebrate Ramadan in very new conditions.
August 14, 2024

Ep. 5 – February: Revolt Before Zombieland

Revolt in all its forms – hidden or revealed – is unfolding in Kabul and in the Abu Dhabi camp.
August 7, 2024

Ep. 4 – December/January: “Vampire Diaries”

With the media’s attention turned away from Afghanistan and snow beginning to fall, Raha and Marwa continue to endure the daily realities of their new lives – finding simple pleasures that help them get through the day.
July 31, 2024

Ep. 3 – October: Take Back Control

It has been three months since the Taliban returned to power.
July 24, 2024

Ep. 2 – September: Relearning Everyday Life

Marwa and Raha are relearning daily life.
July 17, 2024
all podcasts arrow All Podcasts