Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has criticized world leaders for their inaction regarding the current situation of Afghan women and girls and has called for effective international mechanisms to hold accountable those who violate women’s rights.
In a recent interview with the British newspaper The Observer, she said that since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, the situation of women and girls has deteriorated significantly, and their future faces serious threats
Referring to the Taliban’s penal code, Malala stated that under its provisions, a husband’s physical abuse of his wife is not considered subject to legal prosecution unless it results in severe physical harm, such as broken bones.
She added that some world leaders regard such restrictions merely as a “cultural and family matter,” but in her view, this perception is unacceptable and should be addressed seriously under international law.
Malala also said that despite severe restrictions, Afghan girls have not abandoned their education and continue striving to learn despite numerous challenges.
Recalling the events of 2021, she said: “I could not believe that the people who once pointed guns at me had returned to power and are now destroying the future of Afghan girls.”
Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, extensive restrictions have been imposed on women’s and girls’ education, employment, and social participation, drawing widespread international criticism.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
