Malala Yousafzai Speaks Out on the Erosion of Women's Rights in Afghanistan

Malala Yousafzai, renowned for her advocacy for women's rights since surviving a Taliban attack in 2012, expresses her deep concern over the rapid loss of freedoms for Afghan women. In her upcoming documentary, "Bread & Roses," she aims to raise awareness of their plight and the ongoing resistance to oppression.

In the wake of the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan, Malala Yousafzai is voicing her support for women facing severe restrictions on their rights. The Nobel Prize laureate, who miraculously survived a gunshot wound inflicted by a Taliban assailant in 2012, reflects on the unsettling speed with which women's rights have been stripped away since the group regained control in 2021. “I never imagined that the rights of women would be compromised so easily," she told the BBC Asian Network.

The Taliban's conservative rules have created an environment where women's basic freedoms are severely limited; even singing has been outlawed. Malala laments, "A lot of girls are finding themselves in a very hopeless, depressing situation where they do not see any way out." Since the Taliban returned to power, more than a million girls have been denied schooling, marking a staggering 80% of the school-age population, according to UN reports. The erosion of education is correlating with rising child marriages and health-related fatalities for women.

Through her new project, "Bread & Roses," Malala aims to share the stories of three Afghan women who have been personally affected by these oppressive laws. This documentary captures the experiences of Zahra, a dentist who lost her practice; Taranom, an activist forced into exile; and Sharifa, a former government employee struggling with a loss of independence. Malala stresses that the film represents not just three women but the collective plight of 20 million Afghan women whose stories remain untold.

Directed by Afghan filmmaker Sahra Mani and featuring contributions from actress Jennifer Lawrence as a producer, "Bread & Roses" illustrates the harsh realities faced by women under the Taliban's rule while also capturing their spirit of resistance. Sahra, who now lives outside Afghanistan, emphasizes that women were previously able to protest for their rights but face much graver challenges today.

Malala urges international unity in support of Afghan women, stating, "They're putting so much at risk. It's our time to be their sisters and be their supporters." Both she and Sahra remain hopeful that the documentary will galvanize global awareness and pressure on the Taliban to reverse their draconian policies regarding women's rights.

The film draws its title from an Afghan proverb connecting bread with freedom and agency, symbolizing the fight for a future where women can reclaim their independence and hope for a better society. "Women in Afghanistan, they keep changing the tactic," Sahra remarks, recognizing the persistence of Afghan women in their pursuit of freedom.

"Despite all of these challenges," Malala concludes, "they're out on their streets and risking their lives to hope for a better world for themselves." As the documentary prepares for its global release on Apple TV+, the stories and resilience of Afghan women continue to inspire advocacy around the world.