Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and globally renowned advocate for girls’ education, has once again turned the world’s attention to the plight of women in Afghanistan—this time, through the lens of sport.
In a powerful new statement, Yousafzai called on international sports organizations to demonstrate “bravery and courage” by creating opportunities for Afghan women athletes who have been forced into exile under the Taliban’s oppressive regime. She believes that supporting these women—both inside and outside Afghanistan—is a powerful and visible form of resistance to Taliban policies.
“Afghan women deserve the same right to compete, to represent, and to belong in the world of sport,” Yousafzai said in an exclusive interview with CNN’s Amanda Davies. “When the Taliban tries to erase them, the world must choose to see them.”
Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, women in Afghanistan have been systematically excluded from public life—including schools, universities, workplaces, and sports arenas. Female athletes have been barred from competing domestically or internationally under the Afghan flag. Many of them now live in exile, training in secret or with foreign support.
Yousafzai urged governing bodies like the International Olympic Committee (IOC), FIFA, and other federations not to shy away from this issue. “This is not just about sport. It’s about freedom, dignity, and global solidarity,” she said.
Her message comes ahead of upcoming international events, where decisions about Afghan representation—especially for women—remain a controversial topic. Yousafzai’s voice adds renewed urgency to ongoing debates about whether Afghan women athletes should be allowed to compete independently or under neutral flags if their own country refuses to acknowledge them.
Despite nearly losing her life to the Taliban over a decade ago, Yousafzai continues to champion the rights of Afghan women. Her appeal now extends beyond classrooms and into stadiums—urging the world not to look away.
Article written by:
Hudaa Ahmed
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
