Question

During her speech, Yousafzai claims that the Taliban is “afraid of women”. What does she mean and why does she use this specific wording?

Answer 1

Malala says that the Taliban is afraid of women because the Taliban, a group of men, believe they are superior to women. However, they are also aware women can be a threat to their group. Many women are not educated, but once a woman is, she can make her own choices and have her own thoughts without being controlled in a very male dominant society. (This is just an opinion, but I do not think there is necessarily a right and wrong answer for this question, as long as you can support and argue what you are saying)

Answer 2

I cannot speak for the Taliban, but I think we are allowed to interpret her.

This remarkable young woman is certainly the youngest woman (and perhaps man as well) to win the Nobel Peace Prize. She was given this award because she was an advocate of Education for Women.

The Taliban certainly didn't welcome her ideas with open arms. It is not an organization that it is open to debate -- nor is any organization whose purpose is to (in their eyes) free themselves by violent means from those they feel are oppressors.

Education generally means that debate is necessary. There is no possible way that one can be educated without hearing all the sides of an issue. Yousafzi meant that women could not only read and write and become doctors. She also meant that they could think.

In short, she thought the Taliban considered her a rebel and one who was breaking with tradition.

By the way, she also said that she was the only Nobel Laureate that still fought with her little brother.