Update on Malala, the Girl from Pakistan

Malala

Photo from CNN.com

ABC News Diane Sawyer devoted an entire hour to the story of Malala Yousafzai, the girl who defied the Extremist Taliban. She was the girl who spoke up and brought awareness to the plight of 15 million girls in Pakistan who could not get an education. The Taliban did not want girls to go to school, so they thought they would get rid of Malala and stop girls from getting an education. Instead, by shooting Malala while she was riding on the bus to school, they have created even more girls who are fighting to receive an education and to make the world a better place for all of us.

Sawyer reported the miracles that occurred to keep Malala alive after the shooting and to bring her back from the dead. Her recovery was slow and painful, but she is doing well and is spreading the word about education for girls worldwide.

Malala was a candidate to receive the Nobel prize for being a spokesperson for education and peace, but she was not chosen. Below is a link to a video at abcNews with reactions from school girls in Pakistan. I'm sure girls everywhere would feel the same as they do.

VIDEO:  http://abcnews.go.com/International/malalas-nobel-loss-disappoints-school-girls-pakistan/story?id=20542676

“Never doubt that 

a small group of 

thoughtful, committed citizens 

can change the 

world. Indeed, it is 

the only thing that 

ever has.”

 -Margaret Mead

People for Peace

I am not sharing Malala's story to encourage girls to risk their lives, but I am sharing it to make girls who are fortunate to have the opportunity to gain an education to actually appreciate what we have. Perhaps they too will be inspired by Malala's actions to make the world a safer place filled with peace for everyone.

Malala Yousafzai Speaks to the World

Malala Yousafzai is an extraordinary 16-year-old girl who has changed the world. This is a true story of a girl from Pakistan who stood up to fierce terrorists, the Taliban, who shot her in the head and neck to silence her. She fought back determined to live and carry her message of education for girls and rights for women to the world. The Taliban, a group of extremists, use force to get their way. They do not want women to have any rights and freedom. Malala changed that.

Because of her brave act of resistance to the Taliban, according to CNN.com, girls in her community have been emboldened to continue their education. Instead of shutting up Malala, she is now speaking up against the repression of women and appealing to the world's nations to educate the girls in their countries. In fact, Malala spoke to those nations at the United Nations today on her 16th birthday.

Video from Telegraph.com.uk

In her speech to the countries of the world gathered at the United Nations in New York City, she said "Let us pick up our books and our pens. They are our most powerful weapons," Malala urged. "One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education first." --abcnews.com

Malala is a beacon to all girls and to all women to follow her lead to demand schooling for girls and the rights for every woman in the world.