Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai continues to stand as a global advocate for women’s rights, speaking out against the severe oppression faced by women in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime. In a heartfelt interview with BBC Asian Network, Malala highlighted the grim realities of life for Afghan women, describing their current state as one of hopelessness and despair.

“I never imagined that the rights of women would be compromised so easily,” Malala shared. “The future looks very dark to them.”

The Impact of the Taliban’s Rule

Since the Taliban regained control in Afghanistan in 2021, the country has witnessed a systematic dismantling of women’s freedoms. Described by the UN as “gender apartheid,” Afghan women face extreme economic and social discrimination. A chilling ruling in August mandated women to “cover” their voices, faces, and bodies outside their homes, effectively silencing them in public spaces.

The consequences for education are devastating: over a million girls have been barred from attending school, with 80% of school-age girls no longer receiving an education. “They [the Taliban] know that to take away women’s rights, you have to start with the foundation, and that is education,” Malala explained.

Malala’s Campaign for Afghan Women

As part of her ongoing advocacy, Malala serves as an executive producer on the Apple TV+ documentary Bread & Roses. Directed by Afghan filmmaker Sahra Mani, the film provides a poignant look into the lives of three Afghan women under Taliban rule:

• Zahra, a dentist forced to abandon her profession.
• Taranom, an activist fleeing for safety at the border.
• Sharifa, a government employee stripped of her job and independence.

Through these stories, Bread & Roses captures the resilience of Afghan women and their unyielding determination to fight for their rights.

“This is about 20 million Afghan girls and women whose stories may not make it to our screens,” Malala emphasized. “They are doing all they can to fight for their rights. It’s our time to be their sisters and supporters.”

A Call for Global Awareness

Malala’s collaboration with US actress Jennifer Lawrence, who also co-produced the documentary, reflects a shared commitment to bringing these urgent issues to a global audience. Bread & Roses will stream worldwide on Apple TV+ starting November 22, serving as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality in Afghanistan.