Malala came to Pakistan to attend two days conference on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities.
Malala on Girls Rights in Gaza and continues to criticize Afghan Taliban for ruining girls’ education in Afghanistan. This week, Malala was in Pakistan which is also her home country. Yet, she was here for a two day trip only which was her third trip in last several years. She was in Pakistan to attend a two days conference on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities. She came in, spoke on the issue of girls education, slammed Taliban and left Pakistan. However, she did not focus much on the rights of girls and women to even basic necessities in Gaza.
While there is no doubt that the Afghan Taliban’s decision of stopping the girls to get education is deplorable. The plight of the girls of Gaza is more worrisome. Currently, several million girls are unable to attend the school in Gaza. Moreover, it is the first time in decades that the annual Tawjihi exam could not be held in Gaza. The annual Tawjihi exam is similar to the high school examinations at the national level in different parts of the world. The reason for it is Israel’s continuous attacks on Gaza which is bombing Schools & Colleges, Ambulances & Hospitals, Cultural Centers as well as any social, religious or historical building in the area. While Israel burns the schools in Gaza, the world remains a silent spectator.
This brings us to question the legitimacy of such discussions as she visits Pakistan and demands girls education for Afghan girls.
Education A Fundamental Human Right
There is no doubt that education is a fundamental human right and an essential element for personal and societal development. In Gaza, an area affected by long-standing conflict, political instability, and economic hardships, education—particularly for girls—faces significant challenges.
Thus, Girls’ education in Gaza is a story of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. While significant challenges persist, the progress made is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the people and the power of education as a tool for transformation.
However, there is no call for support to demand the right of education for girls in Gaza. In fact, it seems that the global community all basic rights when it comes to Gaza. Whether it is children’s rights or women rights, there is a long silence from everywhere.
Afghan Girls Vs. Gaza Girls
Let us compare Afghan Girls Vs. Gaza Girls. The Afghan girls are having much more rights in their homeland compared to the Gaza girls. Although, there are some restrictions on the mobility of Afghan girls, the women and girls in Gaza are living in deplorable conditions. The girls in Gaza are threatened with their lives, property and families at all times. They are deprived of even basic human rights in their own homes. On the other hand, the Afghan girls enjoy way more rights for themselves. They have security, limited freedoms and protection in their communities.
Most importantly, there is a war between Russia and Ukraine also. As Russia Ukraine war enter 1055 days today, there are no reports of direct violence against women and girls. In fact, the girls and women are able to get all their basic rights during the course of war in Europe. However, when it comes to the Arab region, the entire landscape is different.
Girls’ Rights in Gaza
Talking of Girls’ Rights in Gaza, the conditions are inhumane. Leave aside an opportunity to seek education, the girls are unable to get basic rights such as safe homes, sanitary products or nutrition. As Israel-Hamas war began in 2023, there was a four day ceasefire in November 2023. Thereafter, the war continues to spill the blood of innocent civilians in Gaza region. The rights of Gaza girls stand compromised to extreme extents in this war.
While all this is happening in front of us. Malala Remains relatively low profile on Girls Rights in Gaza. She keeps telling the world that Taliban are stopping the girls to get education. Probably, she is also unable to see the plight of innocent girls in some other parts of the world.
Read Malala’s Speech here: MWL Conference_ Malala’s Speech.
