Meryl Streep Expresses Support for Afghan Women and Girls at UN Event

By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – During an event at the United Nations, actress Meryl Streep highlighted the stark comparison between the freedoms of a female cat and those of women in Afghanistan, urging world leaders to pay attention to the challenges faced by Afghan women and girls.

Streep remarked at a gathering held alongside the U.N. General Assembly aimed at advocating for women’s inclusion in Afghanistan’s future, stating, "The way that this society has been upended is a cautionary tale for the rest of the world."

The Taliban took control in August 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces after two decades of conflict, and the U.N. has been calling for a unified global response to the regime that has significantly restricted women’s rights.

Under Taliban rule, most girls have been prohibited from attending high school, and women are barred from universities. Additionally, the group has closed beauty salons and limited women’s travel unless accompanied by a male guardian.

Streep expressed her concerns by saying, "Today in Kabul a female cat has more freedoms than a woman. A cat may sit on her front stoop and bask in the sun or chase a squirrel in the park. A squirrel has more rights than a girl in Afghanistan today, as public parks are closed to women and girls."

She continued, "A bird may sing in Kabul, but a girl and a woman may not do so in public. This is extraordinary."

The Taliban maintains that they uphold rights according to their interpretation of Islamic law. Recently, they formalized a comprehensive set of rules on morality based on a decree from their supreme spiritual leader, which will be enforced by the morality ministry.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also spoke at the event, emphasizing that without educated women, participation in the workforce, and recognition of the rights and freedoms of half the population, Afghanistan will struggle to achieve its appropriate standing on the global stage.