My Beautiful Sisters: A Story of Courage, Hope and the Afghan Women’s Football Team

My Beautiful Sisters is a memoir about the national women's football team in Afghanistan, who face an imminent threat to their lives for playing sport. Khalida Popal, the team's first captain and co-founder, fled Taliban rule as a child and grew up in a refugee camp in Pakistan. She returned to Afghanistan and football gave her and her teammates power, comradeship, and freedom. However, advocating for women's rights in sport put her life at risk, forcing her to flee the country. As a refugee in Denmark, she worked to uncover widespread sexual abuse of players by the former president of the Afghanistan Football Federation and forced FIFA and the government of Afghanistan to act. When Kabul falls, Khalida is safe, but her teammates are left behind. She and a small but mighty network of allies orchestrate an international evacuation strategy to save them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 20 June 2024
Publisher: John Murray Press

My Beautiful Sisters: An Inspirational Story for Girls and Women Everywhere

Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has written a powerful and inspiring story that resonates with girls and women across the globe. Titled "My Beautiful Sisters," this memoir tells the tale of survival, sisterhood, and the fight for feminism in the age of the Taliban.

In August 2021, Kabul fell to the Taliban, bringing about a significant change in the lives of women across Afghanistan. Overnight, their rights and freedoms were curtailed, and the national women's football team faced an imminent threat to their lives simply for playing the sport they loved.

Khalida Popal, the team's first captain and co-founder, had experienced the brutality of Taliban rule as a child and had grown up in a refugee camp in Pakistan. Upon her return to Afghanistan, football became a source of power, camaraderie, and freedom for her and her teammates. However, advocating for women's rights in sport put Popal's life increasingly at risk, forcing her to flee the country, this time alone.

As a refugee in Denmark, Popal worked tirelessly to uncover widespread sexual abuse of players by the former president of the Afghanistan Football Federation. Her efforts led to the intervention of FIFA and the Afghan government, resulting in significant changes to protect the rights and safety of athletes.

When Kabul fell, Khalida was safe, but her teammates were left behind. Undeterred, she and a small but mighty network of allies orchestrated an international evacuation strategy to save them. Through their bravery and determination, they managed to evacuate over 100 women and children from Afghanistan, providing them with a new life and a chance to pursue their dreams.

"My Beautiful Sisters" is a gripping memoir that showcases the courage, resilience, and teamwork of women in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder of the existence of hope in dark times and the power of collective action to bring about change.

Malala Yousafzai's story is a testament to the strength and determination of women everywhere, and her book is a must-read for anyone who seeks inspiration and empowerment. It is a powerful reminder that even in the most challenging circumstances, women can rise above adversity and make a difference in the world.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 223 x 145 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399805728