Renowned actress Meryl Streep has appeared before the United Nations (UN) to show her solidarity for the rights of women living in Afghanistan.
The three-time Oscar-winner shared her advocacy on Monday, and encouraged other world leaders at the UN to make focusing on the issues faced by Afghan women. Her speech was delivered to an event adjacent to the UN’s General Assembly.
“The way that … this society has been upended is a cautionary tale for the rest of the world,” Streep said in her address.
Streep spoke out about the inequalities faced by women living in the area, and how since the Taliban seized power of Afghanistan in August 2021, the rights of women have been diminished.
“In Kabul, even a cat has more freedoms than a woman.
— United Nations (@UN) September 23, 2024
A squirrel has more rights than a girl in Afghanistan today.”
At UNHQ, Meryl Streep joined @antonioguterres and global leaders to call on the international community to stand up for women & girls in Afghanistan. pic.twitter.com/5PPttqmf1F
“Today in Kabul a female cat has more freedoms than a woman,” said Meryl Streep.
“A cat may go sit on her front stoop and feel the sun on her face. She may chase a squirrel into the park. A squirrel has more rights than a girl in Afghanistan today, because the public parks have been closed to women and girls.
“A bird may sing in Kabul, but a girl may not and a woman may not in public. This is extraordinary.”
Afghan women have been banned by the Taliban from attending school and university, and are not allowed to travel outside without a male accompanying them.
Meryl Streep was joined by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who also highlighted the importance of educating women for the future of the nation.
“Without educated women, without women in employment, including in leadership roles, and without recognising the rights and freedoms of one-half of its population, Afghanistan will never take its rightful place on the global stage,” Guterres said.
Lead Image: Getty
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