Malala Yousafzai, the renowned advocate for women's rights, is once again raising her voice, this time focusing on the plight of women in Afghanistan. Following the rapid deterioration of women's rights since the Taliban regained control of the country in 2021, Malala expresses her dismay at how easily these rights appeared to be compromised.
Shooting to prominence after surviving an assassination attempt by a Taliban gunman in 2012, Malala has passionately campaigned for girls' education and equality. "I never imagined that the rights of women would be compromised so easily," she tells BBC Asian Network, highlighting the increasingly dire situation many Afghan women face.
Under the Taliban's "morality laws," women in Afghanistan have lost significant rights, including restrictions on education and movement. A dress code mandates complete covering, and women can travel only with a male chaperone. The United Nations describes these measures as "gender apartheid," while the Taliban defends them as part of Afghan cultural values.
"Women lost everything," says Malala, stressing that the Taliban understands that restricting women's rights begins with dismantling their access to education. The UN estimates that over a million girls remain excluded from school since the Taliban takeover.
Amidst this grim reality, Malala is co-producing a documentary titled "Bread & Roses," which follows the lives of three Afghan women as they navigate life under oppressive restrictions. Directed by Afghan filmmaker Sahra Mani, the film aims to shed light on the stories of Afghan women, showcasing their spirit and determination to fight for their rights.
Despite the risks, women in Afghanistan are taking a stand, as depicted in Sahra's footage of protests where women demanded their rights, even at great personal danger. Sahra reflects on how the situation has deteriorated since the filming began, stating the current restrictions make it nearly impossible to enact similar projects now.
Malala emphasizes the need for the international community to rally behind Afghan women: "They are doing all that they can to fight for their rights... It's our time to be their sisters and supporters."
As "Bread & Roses" prepares to premiere on Apple TV+ on November 22, the film seeks not only to document struggle but also to inspire hope and resilience. Through sharing these stories, Malala believes there’s much to learn from the courage displayed by Afghan women, who continue to find new ways to persevere in their fight for freedom and recognition.
