Malalai Joya, born April 25, 1978, is an Afghan politician who has been called "the bravest woman in Afghanistan."

As an elected member of the Wolesi Jirga from Farah province, she has publicly denounced the presence of what she considers warlords and war criminals in the parliament.

 

Susan notes: this story is part of The Female Factor, a year-long series of investigative stories, articles, and mulit-media reports by the International Herald Tribune.

The series includes an international forum where women around the world share their views on topical issues - definitely worth a visit.

This video story from Al Jazeera and reported in Maktoob Business about Malalai Joya, an Afghan woman with major attitude: