Well, Malala Yousafzai is in the news again! But believe it or not, it’s not for the right reasons! Malala Yousafzai has stirred up controversy by collaborating with former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on a new Broadway musical project. The musical, titled ‘Suffs’, delves into the history of women’s suffrage, tracing the journey of the fight for women’s right to vote, dating back to the early 1900s.
Well, at first glance, you might wonder: why all the fuss about creating a play about women’s suffrage? Are Pakistanis once again blowing things out of proportion? Are the conspiracy theorists back at it again? But let’s break it down for you – enter “The Malala Dilemma”!
Malala – social activist extraordinaire, crowned with a Nobel Peace Prize, and proudly Pakistani. But alas, amidst the accolades, where’s the peace? Where’s the voice that speaks for the common Pakistani? It’s a tune our parents have been humming for as long as we can remember. Yet, in our wisdom (or lack thereof), we’ve brushed it off as nothing more than those infamous conspiracy theories. Guilty as charged, aren’t we?
So here is why her collaboration with Hillary Clinton is problematic:
Exhibit A
In 2009, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton implicitly supported Washington’s use of drone strikes, resulting in the deaths of 105 civilians in Peshawar. And let’s not forget, that Malala’s advocacy is all about education, yet the CIA’s actions in 2009 hindered access to education in northern Pakistan. So, seeing Malala cozying up to those who caused harm to her people? Disappointing doesn’t even begin to cover it!
Exhibit B
Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in her comments, expressed the belief that a ceasefire in Gaza would not be possible and that it would benefit Hamas by allowing them to rebuild their armaments during the ceasefire period. She argued that those calling for a ceasefire may not fully understand the nature of Hamas and the situation on the ground.
It is also noteworthy that Hillary Clinton is extending support to Joe Biden, who is actively backing Israel, as she was recently observed at Biden’s fundraiser. Also noteworthy that Pakistanis across the board harbor hugely pro-Palestine sentiments … get the drift?
Exhibit C
According to the latest data from the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Health Organization, and the Palestinian government, as of April 21, Israeli attacks have damaged more than half of Gaza’s homes, 80% of its commercial facilities, and 90% of its school buildings. Additionally, 11 out of 35 hospitals are partially functioning, 83% of groundwater wells are not operational, and 267 places of worship have been affected. Every hour in Gaza, 15 people are killed, six of whom are children.
The number of women killed by Israel’s lethal actions in Gaza amounts to roughly one-third of the current death toll, which stands at 30,878, with an average of 63 women losing their lives every day, according to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). Thirty-seven of these women are mothers, leaving more and more Gazan children without their crucial provider and pillar of support.
Exhibit D
Approximately 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza face the risk of malnutrition due to acute food shortages, jeopardizing both fetal growth and the health of expectant mothers.
Moreover, Gaza’s pregnant women have no option but to give birth in dire circumstances amid the backdrop of Israeli bombings, in overcrowded shelters, and in the few remaining hospitals that are barely functioning.
In January, UNICEF described giving birth in Gaza as “hell,” with numerous women experiencing miscarriages due to the current circumstances.
Displaced women also face the risk of malnutrition, dehydration, and other illnesses due to insufficient food, water, and basic essentials.
A severe shortage of feminine hygiene products has further endangered Gazan women, putting them at risk of disease. Women in the war-hit enclave have reported spending days searching for sanitary pads and other hygiene items in shops and pharmacies, often with little success.
Malala, the champion of women’s rights, is producing a play about the women’s rights movement, yet she seems to be sidestepping the dire situation faced by women in Gaza. Instead, she’s cozying up to someone who supports Israel’s siege on Gaza. It’s beyond disappointing.
Dear Malala, the people who once looked up to you as a symbol of strength and inspiration are feeling let down today. Especially when we see privileged kids at prestigious universities like Columbia, Yale, and NYU ready to be arrested for advocating a ceasefire, while you seem to be choosing the wrong side of history. You could have taken so many paths, yet you opted to stand with those perpetuating injustice. And that’s a decision that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
