Malala urges world leaders to protect rights of Afghan women

Activist Malala Yousafzai is urging world leaders to help protect the rights of women in Afghanistan, Reuters reported. 

During a panel discussion on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Yousafzai said she is worried the Taliban’s resurgence would interfere with educational and employment opportunities for Afghan women. 

“We cannot make compromises on the protection of women’s rights and the protection of human dignity,” Yousafzai said on Friday. 

Yousafzai reportedly added that it’s time for world leaders to stick by their commitments to ensure protection for Afghan women’s rights and education.

In a statement,  U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it is time to press the Taliban on their government and rights issues since the insurgent group wants more global recognition, Reuters noted.

The Taliban last month regained full control of Afghanistan for the first time in two decades, after being driven from power by U.S led forces in response to the Sept. 11 attacks.  

The group’s leaders have stated that they have changed their stance on women, Reuters noted, who in the past were prohibited from leaving their homes without a male relative.

But last week, the Taliban opened a high school for boys only.