As the Taliban continues to enforce strict rules on women's freedom since their comeback in Afghanistan, Malala Yousafzai expresses her dismay at the rapid decline of women's rights, noting that they have been lost too easily.
Malala Yousafzai Voices Concerns Over Erosion of Women's Rights in Afghanistan
Malala Yousafzai Voices Concerns Over Erosion of Women's Rights in Afghanistan
Malala highlights the grim situation for women in Afghanistan and underlines the urgent need for international awareness and support.
In a poignant commentary, Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani education activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has spoken out against the deteriorating conditions faced by women in Afghanistan following the Taliban's return to power. She reflects on her own traumatic experience with the Taliban and emphasizes the stark, repressive atmosphere now dominating Afghan society. Women's rights have dramatically deteriorated, with restrictions ranging from mandatory dress codes to severe travel limitations. "I never imagined that the rights of women could be compromised so easily," Malala told BBC Asian Network, expressing her shock at the rapid changes that have stripped Afghan women of their dignity and freedom.
Since the Taliban regained control in 2021, a wave of "morality laws" has been imposed, leading to a grim scenario where girls are banned from education and women's voices are silenced. The UN has pointed out that about 80% of Afghan girls are out of school due to these prohibitions, correlating with an alarming increase in issues like child marriage and maternal deaths.
In response to this crisis, Malala is stepping up her advocacy by producing a new documentary titled "Bread & Roses," which chronicles the plight of three Afghan women who grapple with the Taliban's oppressive regimes. The film aims to shed light not just on their stories but the broader struggles of over 20 million Afghan women whose voices often go unheard. Directed by Afghan filmmaker Sahra Mani, it captures the historical erosion of rights and the resilience exhibited by these women despite their challenges.
Sahra, who managed to flee Afghanistan post the US troop withdrawal, emphasizes her intent to document the grim realities women face under Taliban rule. The ongoing repression includes an outright ban on expressions of freedom, such as public singing.
Although the documentary has not yet premiered, Sahra notes that the ongoing restrictions are making the production progressively challenging. "When we went out to film, it was much easier back then; now the situation is worse," said Sahra, highlighting the bravery of women protesting for their rights even when facing the daunting threat of arrest.
Both Malala and Sahra are optimistic that "Bread & Roses" will galvanize international attention and support for Afghan women. Malala urges for solidarity worldwide, recognizing that these women are risking everything to claim their rights. "If they [the Afghan women] are not scared, then we should learn from them," said Malala, stressing the necessity of standing in alliance with these resilient fighters.
The documentary is set for global streaming on Apple TV+ starting November 22. As the world bears witness to the stories of Afghan women encapsulated in "Bread & Roses," advocates like Malala urge a reevaluation of how societies can protect the rights of women not only in Afghanistan but around the globe.
Since the Taliban regained control in 2021, a wave of "morality laws" has been imposed, leading to a grim scenario where girls are banned from education and women's voices are silenced. The UN has pointed out that about 80% of Afghan girls are out of school due to these prohibitions, correlating with an alarming increase in issues like child marriage and maternal deaths.
In response to this crisis, Malala is stepping up her advocacy by producing a new documentary titled "Bread & Roses," which chronicles the plight of three Afghan women who grapple with the Taliban's oppressive regimes. The film aims to shed light not just on their stories but the broader struggles of over 20 million Afghan women whose voices often go unheard. Directed by Afghan filmmaker Sahra Mani, it captures the historical erosion of rights and the resilience exhibited by these women despite their challenges.
Sahra, who managed to flee Afghanistan post the US troop withdrawal, emphasizes her intent to document the grim realities women face under Taliban rule. The ongoing repression includes an outright ban on expressions of freedom, such as public singing.
Although the documentary has not yet premiered, Sahra notes that the ongoing restrictions are making the production progressively challenging. "When we went out to film, it was much easier back then; now the situation is worse," said Sahra, highlighting the bravery of women protesting for their rights even when facing the daunting threat of arrest.
Both Malala and Sahra are optimistic that "Bread & Roses" will galvanize international attention and support for Afghan women. Malala urges for solidarity worldwide, recognizing that these women are risking everything to claim their rights. "If they [the Afghan women] are not scared, then we should learn from them," said Malala, stressing the necessity of standing in alliance with these resilient fighters.
The documentary is set for global streaming on Apple TV+ starting November 22. As the world bears witness to the stories of Afghan women encapsulated in "Bread & Roses," advocates like Malala urge a reevaluation of how societies can protect the rights of women not only in Afghanistan but around the globe.
