Malalai Joya is one of the bravest women in Afghanistan. As an elected member of the Wolesi Jirga from Farah province, she has publicly denounced the presence of warlords and war criminals in the Afghan parliament. In May 2007, Joya was suspended from the parliament on the grounds that she had insulted fellow representatives in a television interview. Her suspension, which is currently being appealed, has generated protest internationally.
She has survived five assassination attempts, yet she continues to campaign against foreign occupation and fundamentalist warlords, and for women’s rights and education. She believes all NATO troops must leave Afghanistan immediately.
Peace Alliance Winnipeg is planning to host public meetings with Ms. Joya in mid-November 2009. Check our Announcements section regularly and keep Nov. 17 open.