Malala Yousafzai

Imagine living in a country where 40% of the population is unable to read. Compared to the United States, where nearly 100% percent of the population is literate, Pakistan has a literacy rate of only 60% ("The World Factbook"). Disappointed at the lack of availability of education in her country, Malala Yousafzai decided to "be the change that you wish to see in the world", as Gandhi so eloquently put it. At a relatively young age, Malala Yousafzai made it her life's mission to fight for girls to have proper access to education. Her first step was to let others know what was happening in her country. In her home town of Mingora, Pakistan, Malala started a blog for the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) explaining the torment of life under the Taliban, a militant radical Muslim group that originated in Afghanistan and moved into Pakistan. Malala didn't stop there, she also used the media to spread her message. She was regularly interviewed on TV and was featured on a documentary by the New York Times. In 2011, Malala was nominated for the International Youth Peace Prize for promoting the importance of education for all children.  She was also recognized for her efforts by being awarded the Pakistan National Youth Peace Prize (currently named the National Malala Peace Prize). Most recently, Malala was nominated for the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize, the youngest person ever to do so ("Malala Yousafzai: I Have the Right."). In a society where educating youth is not a priority, Malala was determined as ever to make the change no matter the hardships she would have to endure, never wavering from this vision. By showing conviction in the face of Taliban intimidation, being a strong advocate for education, and persevering through one of the highest levels of adversity, with great success, Malala Yousafzai has promoted girl's rights to an education as well as spreading her message and inspiring people worldwide to fight for what they believe in.

As Malala's support increased, so did Taliban threats. Beginning at age 11, Malala wrote a blog documenting the difficulties of living in a Taliban infested area. Sadly, she was forced to hide her identity as she would have become a target: "... she began writing blogs for the BBC about the harsh conditions for children, especially girls, seeking an education in a Taliban-controlled Pakistan.  The Taliban bombed school after school, threatened girls who attended open schools with death and terrorized children everywhere.  But Malala kept writing and she kept fighting" (Pestine, Zac). Malala mustered the courage to continue voicing her opinion against these atrocities through her blog. She knew it was up to her to expose the Taliban. Backing down was not an option; no matter how dangerous it was becoming. Two years later, in 2011, the Taliban had regained control over Malala's village in Swat Valley and had begun publicly humiliating and punishing the people. By this time, the Taliban had discovered Malala's identity, however Malala and her father still refused to give into their threats: "Malala's father had been publicly threatened over the Taliban radio broadcasts, yet he continued undeterred. Malala boldly followed in her father's footsteps, speaking out in public, on TV, and as she chaired a children's assembly hosted by UNICEF" (Kile, J). Malala was well aware of the risks of defying the Taliban, one of the most militant groups on Earth; public prosecutions were her daily reminders. It takes an immeasurable amount of valor to stand up to the Taliban as Malala did and continues to do. Even after increased threats on her life to take down her blog, Malala ignored the danger and kept on writing the truths she witnessed.

Malala is a true advocate for education as she put her own life at risk just so other girls could have the right to go to school. Clearly Malala feels that education brings more opportunity. After the Taliban announced that education would no longer be available to girls, Malala was driven to do whatever and stand up against whomever she needed to change that: "The militant Taliban, however, decreed that girls were not to be educated. Yousafzai was determined to receive an education and defied the Taliban by both attending class and writing a blog on which she declared her intention to be educated" ("Malala Yousafzai" Gale Biography in Context). This public proclamation was unacceptable and only gave Malala the strength to be even more aggressive. This was undoubtedly the opposite of what the Taliban was trying to achieve: "They cannot stop me; I will get my education if it is in home, school or any place.My dream is to see all children, especially girls, going to school to be educated. I dream of a peaceful world where all human beings are accommodating and tolerant. I wish to see equality and justice for all men and women" (Yousafzai, Malala). Malala's ambitions had been unaffected.  As she talked to any prominent figure that would listen, Malala slowly learned that there were children in other countries also without proper access to education.  As a result, her vision broadened from just Pakistani girls, to all children. Malala took advantage of her growing popularity to uphold the importance of peace, tolerance, and justice. She believes that with an adequate education in hand, these traits will follow. Malala is being the change she wants to see by pursuing her own education. Besides her own goal of attaining a higher level of education, she wants to help lay a path for all other children to follow.

In 2012, the Taliban held true to their threats.  They signaled out Malala riding on a school van and shot her twice point blank, once in her head and once in her neck. The news was devastating to her already massive following.  However, the Taliban failed to silence her. Malala's fans grew exponentially, and she became a global hero almost overnight. Malala was transported to England to recover in a hospital and thereafter, she underwent several surgeries. It did not take long before Malala showed signs of wanting to continue her life's mission: "For subsequent photos released after her surgery, friends say, she insisted that she be photographed with a book in hand and her headscarf carefully draped to hide any signs of damage -- both as a nod to tradition and so that supporters would know that her priorities had not changed" (Baker, Aryn). A strong-minded Malala wanted and needed to survive this nearly fatal setback because she knew she had unfinished business to do and millions of kids counting on her. After enduring such a mental and physical strain, most would give up, nonetheless Malala's priorities never changed. She still focused on her duties as an activist and supporter of women's educational rights along with staying in the public eye, proving a point that even the Taliban could not stop her. There is an immense amount of perseverance needed in order to stay with a vision that leads you into precarious situations, and fortunately her efforts did not go unnoticed. Because of Malala, Pakistan and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) formed a new plan that will educate every girl by the end of 2015, and with her recovery and her desire to keep fighting she can additionally be a part of it: "Brown added, 'In time, Malala herself is determined to join the campaign for every girl's right to education, and when she has recovered she will do so, becoming one of the leaders of that campaign'" ("UN announces Malala Plan to get all girls into school by 2015"). It was finally happening. Her dream was slowly becoming a reality: "I am on a journey to see my dreamland. It does not matter if I fall down; I will stand again, walk and struggle hard".