One Brave Voice

Norm's got a post about a lady MP in Afghanistan. She sounds feisty and idealistic.

Some edited highlights from the BBC News article:

"Malalai Joya...27-year-old MP is the most famous woman in Afghanistan."

"She has made her name as a woman's rights activist who has attacked Afghanistan's most powerful institution, the Mujahideen."

"On 20 December, the day of the parliament's first session in more than 30 years, she did what many of her friends feared she would."

"Rising from her seat she launched into a denunciation of many of those seated around her, condemning the presence in the parliament of "criminal warlords" whose hands are stained with the blood of the people". "

"Many MPs beat their fists on their desks and furiously shouted her down. "

"As she left the parliament she received death threats."

"The threat against her life is very real," said Ms Pekai. "All the rumours in the parliament are that people are preparing to kill her."

"Every democrat must be ready to die for truth and freedom," said Ms Joya.

"I am not better than any of the others, but I am young and energetic and the women of Afghanistan need me."