Her name is Malalai Joya

Spotlight on Afghan Female Parliamentary: Malalai Joya

Malalai Joya is the centerpiece of a 2006 documentary titled "Enemies of Happiness" produced by a Danish company, edited by Eva Mulvad. A viewing of the film can be seen on PBS.org; or select theaters. This review was done after viewing at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.

Malalai Joya is a live Athena because at just 28 years of age she sits in the Afghan parliament--Joya is the youngest person ever to be elected to Parliament in Afghanistan. And she's a woman. Malalai is a leader and incredible voice for the Afghan people, especially the illiterate masses, also victims of the tribal warlords' reign and terror, as well as women--many of whom desire change in their country such as fair voting process and women's rights. Malalai speaks quickly and with a beautiful melody in her native tongue, yet remarkably, she keeps a stern and poised expression on her face when delegating and consulting on many tough issues such as unfair arranged marriage, taboo divorce, and warlords buying the vote, or worse, threatening her people or her own life. Only one small clip in the hour-long film shows a vulnerable and emotional Malalai--when she's sitting with her sister who admires her greatly and says she worries for Malalai. The young politician goes to the window to shed a couple private tears. Then, the last scene she is being driven to Parliament in the city, briefcase in her lap, asking the driver to turn on some music because she does not know anything about music--she hasn't ever had time to learn because she's been working since she was in 8th grade--going to school in the morning, teaching others in the evenings. No doubt Malalai has a lot ahead of her and the Afghan people when it comes to creating a democracy in the cradle of the Middle East, but she has three things going for her that supports her as she empowers the Afghan people: love for her people, a higher education, and commitment to see her dreams for Afghanistan come true. LiveAthenas would like to encourage all our readers to view this documentary to know Malalai Joya, Parliamentary official for Afghanistan, and the positive changes she's giving voice and affecting in the Afghan nation.