Meryl Streep Advocates for Afghan Women's Rights at U.N.

Actor Meryl Streep highlighted at the United Nations the dire situation of Afghan women and girls. Comparing their loss of freedoms to the relative freedom of cats, she urged global leaders to act. The Taliban's restrictions have barred education for girls and curtailed women's rights and freedoms significantly.

In a passionate appeal at the United Nations, Hollywood actor Meryl Streep spotlighted the severe restrictions on Afghan women, comparing their lack of freedoms to the liberty enjoyed by cats. Streep's remarks were aimed at urging global leaders to address the plight of Afghan women and girls.

The Taliban's takeover in August 2021, following the U.S. withdrawal, has resulted in the severe curtailment of women's rights. Girls are banned from attending high school, women are excluded from universities, and travel restrictions have been imposed. Salons have been shuttered, and women face numerous limitations in public life.

"Today in Kabul, a female cat enjoys more freedoms than a woman," Streep said. "A cat may bask in the sun or chase a squirrel, but women and girls are banned from parks and public singing." The Taliban insist that their policies align with their interpretation of Islamic law, yet the U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that without the active inclusion of women, Afghanistan's progress remains stunted.

(With inputs from agencies.)