- Malala called on Muslim leaders to reject the Taliban’s rule and champion girls’ education.
- She condemned the Taliban’s treatment of women as “gender apartheid.”
- Yousafzai highlighted the devastating impact of global conflicts on education.
Malala Yousafzai delivered a compelling message to Muslim leaders at an Islamabad summit, urging them not to legitimize the Taliban government in Afghanistan.
Beyond Afghanistan, Malala addressed the devastating toll of conflicts in Yemen, Sudan, and Gaza on educational systems. She pointed to the destruction of schools in Gaza, calling out Israel for its violations of international law.
Global Call for Action: Malala Criticizes Taliban and Advocates for Education
At a two-day summit in Islamabad focused on education in Muslim-majority nations, Malala Yousafzai called for bold leadership against the Taliban’s oppressive policies. She highlighted the regime’s denial of education to Afghan girls and accused them of dehumanizing women under the guise of cultural and religious norms. Her call for action resonated with participants from across the Muslim world, who gathered to address the challenges facing education systems.
Malala’s message extended beyond Afghanistan, drawing attention to other global crises. She criticized the impact of wars in Yemen and Sudan on children’s access to education. Speaking with urgency, she emphasized that conflict zones often become breeding grounds for long-term educational and social inequality.
The summit saw strong support from the Muslim World League (MWL), with its secretary general Muhammad al-Issa rejecting any claims that education for girls is un-Islamic. His remarks underscored the need for religious leaders to counter extremist narratives and advocate for equal rights in education.
Malala also used the platform to advocate for the global community to prioritize education in humanitarian responses. She underscored the importance of rebuilding educational infrastructures in areas affected by war, emphasizing that education is a lifeline for stability and hope in crisis-affected regions.
Malala Yousafzai’s call to action serves as a stark reminder that the fight for girls’ education requires global solidarity and bold leadership. Only by challenging oppressive ideologies can the rights and futures of millions of children be safeguarded.
“Do not legitimize them,” Malala said, urging Muslim leaders to take a stand against the Taliban.