OS Conversations: Afghan women

We hear about the security fears among women in Afghanistan after several killings of female journalists and health care workers. The peace deal between the government and the Taliban is also threatening to roll back women's rights in the country. Three women in the public eye talk about how women's lives are affected by violence and insecurity.

BBC Persian Service explains the sharp rise in coronavirus cases in Iran, with fears of a possible fourth wave. Iranian authorities have urged people to stay indoors on the last day of the Persian New Year Holiday today.

And we look in-depth the impact of the pandemic in France where the nation prepares for another lockdown. Ros Atkins explains why France has reached this point, looking at the politics, vaccine hesitancy and the leadership of President Macron.

Our regular expert Megan Murray from Harvard Medical School explains some of today’s other coronavirus stories.

(Photo: Afghan women shout slogans during a rally to mark International Women"s Day in Herat, Afghanistan, 08 March 2021. Credit: JALIL EZAYEE/EPA)