Malala Yousafzai sparks debate by returning to Pakistan for girls' education summit

In Pakistan, on January 12, 2025, a significant international summit on girls' education was held, where Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai delivered a powerful address calling for action against the Taliban's treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan. She criticized the Taliban's restrictions that ban girls from secondary education, labeling these measures as gender apartheid. Yousafzai emphasized the importance of leadership from Muslim communities in challenging these oppressive policies, which have severely hampered the rights and futures of Afghan females. The summit gathered ministers, educators, and scholars from 44 Muslim-majority countries under the auspices of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Muslim World League (MWL). The absence of Taliban representatives at the event indicated ongoing tensions and the lack of international recognition for their government since they regained power in August 2021. Yousafzai's presence highlighted the need for a unified Muslim response to protect girls' educational rights, urging leaders to openly denounce the restrictive laws imposed by the Taliban. The summit concluded with a commitment from attendees to empower girls through education, although many countries continue to struggle with similar issues, showcasing the urgent need for concerted efforts to address women's rights across the region.