On October 9, 2012, the world of 15 year old Malala Yousafzai changed forever when a gunman boarded a school bus in Northwest Pakistan and shot her three times. Malala had been targeted by the Taliban for her advocacy of girls’ education; the assassination attempt, however, did not stop her from speaking out.
Born on July 12, 1997 in Pakistan’s Swat District, Malala grew up under increasing Taliban control. By 2008, the Taliban had occupied the region and banned music, television, and the education of females. Frequently, they bombed schools that educated female students.
Later that year, Malala began blogging anonymously for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). She quickly gained public attention, publishing her thoughts about life under the Taliban and her opinions on female education. Malala spoke out like very few had before, advocating for education throughout the region. In particular, she emphasized the right of girls and women to an education without fear of Taliban retaliation. After her blogging identity was revealed, her platform expanded: she appeared on numerous television programs worldwide, and was awarded the National Youth Peace Prize in 2011.
This new recognition led to the fateful day on a school bus in 2012— Malala sustained severe injuries and airlifted to a Peshawar military hospital for brain surgery. On October 15th, she traveled to the United Kingdom for further treatment. There, she made a full recovery, and soon resumed her activism.
Since then, Malala has continued to be an outspoken supporter of worldwide education and women’s rights. On her sixteenth birthday, she addressed the United Nations to speak of “the right of education of every child”. In addition, she co-founded the Malala Fund, a, organization promoting the empowerment of girls through education. Her memoir, I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban, was an instant bestseller.
On October 10th, 2014, nearly two years to the day since the attack, Malala received her highest honor yet: she was named a co-recipient of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize alongside fellow children’s rights advocate Kailash Satyarthi. She is the youngest winner of the Prize since its founding in 1901. By speaking out against injustice, Malala has become an inspiration to millions around the world—her bravery, tenacity and focus are extraordinary reminders of the power of raising your voice.
A LAUREATE
FOR PEACE
by Sarah Cronin