dreamXtreme: Druglords, warlords and Malalai Joya

Saturday, May 2

Druglords, warlords and Malalai Joya

Hi everyone

I haven't blogged this week because I have slowed down to dial up speed. :(

I started reading this fantastic book this week "World Poverty for Dummies", and yes I am a Dummy. I found this fantastic story in it about a woman called Malalai Joya. She's an absolute inspiration! Take the time to follow the link below to wikipedia and read about her story.

Proclaimed "the bravest woman in Afghanistan" by the BBC, Malalai Joya is a true international heroine. She sprang to fame in 2003 at age 25 for speaking out against the ex-Mujahideen leaders who dominated Afghanistan's historic constitutional assembly, of which she was an elected delegate. She was called a "prostitute" and an "infidel" for having the courage to speak her mind. Joya has since survived attacks, threats of rape, four assassination attempts and now travels in Afghanistan under a burqa and with armed guards. In 2005, Joya was elected to Afghanistan's national parliament, where as the youngest person elected, and one of the most popular, she continued to press her case for democracy and women's rights. However, in May of 2007 she was suspended for challenging her fellow representatives. Her suspension, currently being appealed, triggered international protest. She continues to serve as a passionate public voice for her people.

The clip below is her famous speech.....pretty amazing!