Malala : “Don’t Tell Afghan Women What Their Culture Is—Follow Their Lead Against Gender Apartheid”

In an event titled “Media vs. Taliban,” Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai reaffirmed her support for Afghan women fighting against what she described as gender apartheid under Taliban rule. 

Speaking at length, Yousafzai highlighted the bravery of Afghan women resisting systemic oppression and called on the international community to move beyond rhetoric.

“Promises of equality fail to translate from paper into real action,” she said. “Standing in solidarity means listening to Afghan women and following their lead.”

Yousafzai also criticized the exclusion of Afghan women and civil society representatives from the third Doha meeting on Afghanistan, which was hosted by the United Nations last year. She argued that any discussion about the country’s future must include those who are directly affected by the Taliban’s policies.

“What is happening in Afghanistan is the very definition of gender apartheid,” Yousafzai emphasized, urging gender equality advocates to take a firm stance in solidarity with Afghan women.

During the event, she also responded to a question about escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, offering her condolences to the victims and urging both countries to de-escalate.

“For our entire region, the common enemy is terrorism, extremism, and violence—not each other,” she stated.

Zahra Joya, founder and executive director of Rukhshana Media, also spoke at the event, underlining the crucial role of media in Afghanistan and the region. She discussed the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan journalists, particularly women, under Taliban rule, and stressed the importance of peace in the region.