Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and global advocate for education, has called on Muslim leaders to reject the Taliban’s policies limiting girls’ education. Speaking at a summit in Islamabad focused on girls’ education in Muslim communities, she emphasized that the Taliban’s actions represent “gender apartheid” and urged the global community to act decisively to protect the right to education.
Criticizing Taliban Policies
Malala urged Muslim leaders to avoid recognizing the Taliban government in Afghanistan. She described their restrictions on women and girls as violations of human rights and Islamic teachings. “Do not legitimise them,” Malala said firmly.
She urged leaders in Muslim-majority nations to take a stand against these injustices. “This is the moment to demonstrate true leadership and refuse to accept a government that denies girls their education,” she added.
Condemning Israel’s Actions in Gaza
In her address, Malala also strongly criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, accusing it of destroying the region’s education system. She cited reports of schools and universities being bombed and described the impact on Palestinian children.
“In Gaza, Israel has decimated the education system,” she said. “More than 90% of schools have been destroyed, universities have been targeted, and innocent civilians have been killed in schools where they sought refuge.” She emphasized that these actions deny Palestinian children the future they deserve.
The ongoing military offensive in Gaza, which began in October 2023, has claimed over 46,000 lives, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Malala called for urgent international intervention to protect Palestinian children and restore their access to education.
Advocating for Global Solidarity
Malala’s speech emphasized the broader issue of education in conflict zones. However she highlighted the critical need for international leadership to ensure equal access to education for children in war-torn regions.
Malala pledged to continue advocating for education and human rights worldwide, focusing on children affected by war and discrimination. “I will not stay silent against violations of international law and human rights,” she said.
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A Voice for Change
Malala, who survived a near-fatal attack by the Pakistani Taliban at the age of 15 for her activism, has become a symbol of resilience. As the youngest Nobel laureate, she has dedicated her life to fighting for equal education opportunities, particularly for girls and children in conflict zones.
She concluded her speech by calling for global solidarity to end discriminatory practices against women and children. “Palestinian children, Afghan girls, and millions of others deserve a future where education is their right, not a privilege,” Malala said. “We must unite to protect their dreams, dignity, and rights.”
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