Malalai Joya

Malalai Joya, born on April 25, 1978, is a prominent Afghan activist, writer, and politician known for her fearless advocacy for women's rights and her outspoken criticism of the political landscape in Afghanistan. She served as a Parliamentarian in the National Assembly from two thousand five until early two thousand seven, where she gained notoriety for her bold stance against the presence of warlords and war criminals in the Afghan Parliament.

Her tenure was marked by her vocal opposition to the Karzai administration and its Western allies, particularly the United States. In May two thousand seven, her suspension from Parliament sparked international protests and garnered support from notable figures, including renowned intellectuals like Noam Chomsky and politicians from various countries, advocating for her reinstatement.

Joya's courage and commitment to justice earned her the title of 'the bravest woman in Afghanistan' from the BBC. Her influence was recognized globally when Time magazine included her in their list of the one hundred most influential people in the world in two thousand ten, and Foreign Policy Magazine named her one of the Top one hundred Global Thinkers.

In March two thousand eleven, The Guardian acknowledged her as one of the Top one hundred women: activists and campaigners. However, in two thousand twenty-one, due to threats from the Taliban regime, Joya was compelled to leave Afghanistan and continue her activism in exile.