Malala Yousafzai, known for her unwavering dedication to women's rights, is once again shining a spotlight on the plight of women in Afghanistan, where their freedoms have drastically diminished following the Taliban's resurgence in 2021. In an exclusive interview with BBC Asian Network, Malala, who survived an assassination attempt by Taliban forces in 2012, expressed her disbelief at how easily the rights of Afghan women have been compromised since the group's takeover, stating, "I never imagined that the rights of women would be compromised so easily."

Afghan women now face an oppressive reality marked by severe restrictions. Malala explains that these regulations have stripped women of their autonomy, including the imposition of a strict dress code that requires full coverage, a ban on traveling without a male chaperone, and limitations on basic interactions with men. These measures have led to a crisis for female education, with the United Nations reporting that over a million girls are currently out of school.

In response to this dire situation, Malala is collaborating on "Bread & Roses," a documentary that captures the stories of three Afghan women whose lives have been upended by Taliban law. The film aims to amplify the voices of the 20 million Afghan women who are suffering under these harsh conditions. Directed by Sahra Mani and produced by Malala and Hollywood actress Jennifer Lawrence, the documentary chronicles the struggles and resistance of Afghan women as they navigate a society stripped of their rights.

Sahra Mani shares her experiences of documenting life under the Taliban, emphasizing how the deterioration of women's rights makes storytelling increasingly difficult. She highlights the bravery of women who continue to protest despite personal risks, insisting their fight is not just for visibility but for their fundamental rights. The documentary seeks to inspire global awareness and urge international pressure on the Taliban to reconsider their oppressive policies.

As Malala articulates, the narrative of Afghan women encapsulated in "Bread & Roses" is not solely about loss; it also emphasizes their resilience and defiance. She believes that the world can learn from these women's bravery, urging solidarity to support their struggle for freedom and equality. "If they are not scared, if they are not losing that courage to stand up to the Taliban, we should learn from them and we should stand in solidarity with them," she advocates.

The film encapsulates the sentiment that true empowerment and liberation stem from autonomy, akin to the Afghan proverb that inspired its title. "Bread" signifies freedom and sustenance, a metaphorical beacon of hope for the future of Afghan women.

Set to premiere globally on Apple TV+ on November 22, "Bread & Roses" promises to shine a much-needed light on the adversities faced by Afghan women today while fostering a message of hope and resilience. Malala continues to call for urgent action in support of the rights and freedoms that these women rightfully deserve.