A voice emerges from the depths of injustice; BBC calls her the “bravest woman in Afghanistan.” Her name is Malalai Joya, an activist, writer, and politician. Joya was born on April 25, 1978, in Farah, Afghanistan. She is the oldest of seven sisters and three brothers. Early in Joya’s life, her father fought in the Afghan civil war. After the war, Joya’s father left the country due to the dangerous atmosphere forming in Afghanistan. The Taliban was replacing Afghanistan’sdemocracy with militant religious fundamentalism. Later, Joya began living in a refugee camp in Pakistan. Her father’sbeliefs allowed her access to education despite limited opportunities for women. As the years hailed on, Joya became a voice of resistance against Afghanistan’s government and the United States military.
In 2001, the United States invaded Afghanistan to terminate the Taliban regime. The goal was to establish a democratic reconstruction model for Afghanistan. The model outlined a new political system that accepted all ethnic groups and women. Furthermore, the model included resources to develop social and economic prosperity. To many, this plan seemed perfect, but Joya saw a disaster forming. The model lacked a socio-political aspect to counter the underlying influence of Taliban supporters trying to regain control of the country. People’s dreams of freedom were crushed as warlords “ruled their territories with impunity […] replicating the Taliban regime” (Fathima 129). The warlords who shared similar ideological beliefs to the Taliban continued the vicious cycle of violence and oppression. These warlords are known to commit egregious crimes while erasing democracy and equal rights.
Regarding the battle that the U.S. and the Karzai government waged to defeat the Taliban, Joya believes both governments overlooked the warlords’ attitudes, causing a new wave of violence to form. Joya conducted a study to further support her claims of the ever-growing destruction after the Taliban’s reign. The study revealed that “violence against women did increase during the post-Taliban period” (Fathima 132). In defeating the Taliban, the U.S. and Karzai governments failed to reestablish a democracy, leading to the reappearance of fundamental ideological beliefs.
Joya’s father and grandfather had provided her with a “patriarchal legacy of resistance,” which inspired her as she struggled for “democracy and human rights” (Fathima 129). When the Afghans felt betrayed by their country, Joya became a symbol of strength by “resist[ing] dominant powers and push[ing] boundaries enforced by radical Islamists” (Fathima 129). When the Taliban was in control, Joya organized underground classes for women and girls. She worked closely with the underground campaign group Organisation for Promoting Afghan Women’s Capabilities (OPAWC), an underground campaign group, as she taught “literacy to women in Herat, a city in Western Afghanistan” (Keilholz 1).
Well known for her speeches opposing the warlords and the Taliban, many viewed Joya as their leader. In 2005, she was elected to the 249 seat of the national parliament to represent her hometown of Farah. Unfortunately, Joya’s criticism of the Afghan government led to her suspension from the parliament, but Joya did not surrender her battle against the Afghan government. Civilians provided Joya with “strength and inspiration” as she continued “to fight for the rights of women demanding transitional justice for victims of the warlord’s crimes” (Fathima 129). Joya continues to travel the world, being a voice for those suffering in Afghanistan and other countries. Joya reminds those in despair that they deserve equal rights, dignity, respect, and justice.
Malalai Joya’s efforts to restore peace in Afghanistan have been recognized by many organizations. In 2006, the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights by the South Korean May 18th Foundation was awarded to Joya. In 2007, Joya was awarded the Honorary Citizenship Award by Comune di Supino in Italy. In 2009, Joya was honored with the International Anti-discrimination Award by the Dutch Unity’s Strength Foundation and the 7th Juan María Bandrés Award by The Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid (CEAR). The awards Joya is honored with support her efforts for peace, and ensure those efforts are not overlooked.
Today, Malalai Joya continues to spread her message of peace and equality to the world. Joya’s website includes her achievements, press coverage, books, and activities. To learn more about Joya’s inspiring story, read her books Raising My Voice and A Woman Among Warlords. The books illustrate the extent of injustice occurring in Afghanistan from Joya’spoint of view. In regards to world efforts, what are the United States and NATO doing to combat the oppression of rights in Afghanistan? In 2021, the Taliban regained control over Afghanistan. The U.S. stated that they “stopped providing assistance for the purpose of the reconstruction of Afghanistan” and will support Afghanistan only with humanitarian aid, assistance to human needs, and the economy. (“U.S. Relations” 1).
It is important to note that Malalai Joya is not fighting this battle alone. Malala Yousafzai is also an activist in Pakistan fighting for women’s rights to education. The Malala Fund website includes information on Yousafzai’s journey to achieve equality. Joya, Yousafzai, and other activists remind people that their voice is a powerful gift. People gain insight into situations happening across the world through the stories people share. The Guardian lists Joya as one of the “Top 100 Women: Activists and Campaigners” for a reason. Her story is an inspiration to create a positive change. Joya’s strength, compassion, and courage give people hope that change and equality can be achieved.
Resources:
“Documentary on Malalai Joya’s activities.” Malalai Joya. malalaijoya.com.
Fathima, Anisa. “War, Dissent and Resistance: An Analysis of Malalai Joya’s A Woman Among Warlords.” New Literaria- An International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities, vol. 4, no. 2, July-August 2023, pp. 128-133. Google Scholar. newliteraria.com
Keilholz, Doerthe. “Biography of Malalai Joya.” TheThunderbird.ca | News, analysis and commentary by UBC Journalism students, 30 November 2007. thethunderbird.ca
“Malala Fund.” Malala Fund. malala.org
“U.S. Relations With Afghanistan.” U.S. Department of State, 15 August 2022, state.gov
