Malala Yousafzai Highlights Afghan Women’s Struggle Under Taliban Rule in 'Bread & Roses'

The bullet that once threatened to silence Malala Yousafzai now fuels her advocacy for Afghan women. Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, women's rights have drastically diminished, with even singing now prohibited.

Malala, who survived a Taliban attack in Pakistan, expresses her shock at the rapid decline of rights in Afghanistan. "I never thought women’s rights could be so easily undermined," she shared with the BBC Asian Network. "Many girls find themselves in a despairing situation with no clear path forward," says the 27-year-old Nobel laureate.

The Taliban's return in 2021 marked a significant regression for women, reversing two decades of progress post-US invasion. Restrictive "morality laws" have stripped Afghan women of numerous rights, enforcing strict dress codes and limiting their freedom of movement without male guardians.

According to BBC News, Malala notes the extreme nature of these restrictions, which the United Nations describes as "gender apartheid." Human rights organizations are advocating to classify these abuses as international crimes. Despite claims of societal acceptance, the Taliban's policies have decimated women's lives, particularly in education. The UN reports over a million girls are currently out of school, while around 100,000 female students were barred from university in 2022.

"Afghan women are enduring incredibly dark times," Malala reflects, "but they continue to resist." She is also an executive producer of the documentary 'Bread & Roses', which highlights the experiences of three Afghan women living under Taliban rule. Directed by Afghan filmmaker Sahra Mani, the film aims to shed light on the struggles of women like Zahra, a dentist forced to abandon her profession, and Taranom, an activist who escapes to the border.

Though filming conditions have deteriorated, Sahra emphasizes the importance of showcasing young, educated women eager to contribute to society. The documentary captures the courage of women protesting for their rights, even as they face arrest.

Malala urges international support for Afghan women, stating, "They are doing everything they can to advocate for their rights." 'Bread & Roses', inspired by an Afghan saying about freedom and empowerment, aims to raise awareness and inspire solidarity. The film will be available for global streaming on Apple TV+ starting November 22.