Islamabad (Web Desk/Agencies): Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai on Sunday urged Muslim leaders not to "legitimise" the Afghan Taliban government and to "show true leadership" by opposing their curbs on women and girls' education.
Speaking at the closing session of the two-day global education conference on girls’ education, she called on the international community to safeguard the dignity and rights of girls by guaranteeing their access to education.
Malala painted a stark picture of the challenges facing millions of girls worldwide, with a staggering 120 million girls currently deprived of schooling due to a mix of social, economic, and political hurdles.
Reflecting on her personal experiences,
Malala, who began her advocacy work in Pakistan, acknowledged that the country will always hold deep significance for her.
She reaffirmed her conviction that every girl has an inherent right to education, a cause that is deeply personal to her.
“Education is not only a right, it is the foundation for a better future,” Malala declared, emphasizing the transformative potential of education in shaping lives and societies.
Drawing from Islamic teachings, Malala underscored the importance of education in Islam, highlighting the influence of women like Hazrat Aisha (RA) and Fatima Jinnah.
"These women are beacons of light for us," Malala said, stressing that Fatima Jinnah’s ongoing legacy in the struggle for freedom and justice continues to inspire women across generations. She urged the global audience to recognize the indispensable role of women in shaping both history and society.
Malala also spoke about the critical economic role of women, noting that their contribution is just as crucial as that of men.
She emphasized the need for equal opportunities for women to participate fully in economic development, recognizing that their involvement is vital to achieving a balanced and prosperous world.
The Nobel laureate also took a strong stand against the destruction of schools in Gaza, condemning Israel’s actions which have left 90% of the region's universities in ruins.
"A Palestinian girl cannot build her future if she is denied access to education," she lamented, calling for an end to the ongoing conflict that continues to undermine educational opportunities for girls in Gaza and beyond.
Malala expressed her gratitude to the Muslim World League (MWL) for organizing the conference, acknowledging its importance in addressing the urgent issue of girls’ education.
She concluded her speech by calling on world leaders to collaborate in breaking down the barriers that prevent countless girls from accessing education, stressing that empowering girls is essential to building a more just and equitable world.
