Malala - A Beacon of Hope

Malala Yousafzai, the young female activist who was fatally shot for her advocacy for girl’s free education, has become a beacon of hope for all females alike around the world. She miraculously escaped death having been shot in the head by the Taliban, for advocating for the rights of girls and women to be educated. At the tender age of just 15 years old and having survived critical surgery on her skull, Malala’s commitment to gender equality is astounding, resulting in her becoming the youngest nominee for the Nobel Prize.

Now living in Birmingham and attending an all girls school, Malala has been praised by actors, politicians and the public in general, for bravely fighting for girl’s free education in Pakistan and the world. One most recent endorsement comes from former PM Gordon Brown, who has said as the Special Envoy for Global Education, 

“She [Malala] is an amazingly brave young woman with great strength of character and incredible resilience”.

Malala is said to have put her views live on television when she said:

“I don’t mind if I have to sit on the floor at school. All I want is education. And I am afraid of no one.”

Clearly illustrating Malala’s strength and persistence in fighting for free education for girls in Pakistan.

Free education for females continues to be a significant issue in Pakistan following the shooting of a school teacher in a girl’s school in late March this year.

Despite there being various opposition groups that continue to avidly seek to silence speakers on this internationally pertinent topic, it is evident that Malala’s campaign will not be silenced.

Malala is publishing her memoirs including the story of hundreds others that aren’t able to get a free education. The book will be titled ‘I am Malala’ which is rumoured to be released later this year. I am sure I’m not the only one that is eagerly awaiting the release of this book that will a give a real insight into the everyday struggle for what in Britain is the inherent right of all, male or female.

Years of toil against extremist groups against free education for girls has beset Pakistan. Though there are many supporters for girl’s free education, there are equally those who would silence these voices.

More than 32 millions girls are unable to go to school due to the country’s assets, though thanks to Malala this issue has been highlighted considerably for worldwide leaders with such calibre as Gordon Brown who are organising campaigns to compel the Pakistani government to listen. Join the fight today on www.educationenvoy.org

Daniel Reuel