Malalai Bahaduri is a Second Lieutenant and senior instructor in the Afghan National Interdiction Unit (NIU).[1] She worked as a telecommunications operator, but decided to join law enforcement in 2002, after Taliban rule of Afghanistan ended.[2] Bahaduri was threatened with death and physically abused by an uncle who objected to her doing so.[2]
Bahaduri is the first female member of the Afghan NIU.[3] She has participated in counternarcotics operations in all 34 provinces of Afghanistan.[3][4]
Bahaduri received the 2013 International Women of Courage award.[1]