Just a few short days ago on October 10th, Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize, a tribute to her relentless pursuit for education and equal treatment for girls in her country. The courageous teen began keeping a journal five years ago, documenting the fearful conditions under which she and her schoolmates were kept. Deciding that she wanted to remain in education, Malala chose to take action where others would have thrown up their hands in defeat. And it is because of this courage that, at 17, she is now the youngest person to ever win a Nobel Prize in any category.
Malala began what would become a global campaign by taking a simple step. Her father, who ran a private school, gave her the idea to start the blog that began as a quiet journal. But when she was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman in October 2012, the world took notice. She has since become an international name synonymous with freedom, equality, and bravery.
At her tender age, Malala has lived through more than most girls her age can even imagine – nor should have to. She has lived a life of courage in the face of the ultimate fear and threat of death. And she has lived to see the other side of it, becoming an inspiration to, not just her own generation, but anyone who has a cause, a dream, or an idea they yearn to stand up for. It is because of her bold, decisive action that girls her age can have someone to look up, someone to emulate – a role model of the highest caliber.
Not everyone has the same struggles, and Malala’s case was an exceptional one. But every single individual has something to fight for, a hurdle to overcome. Which is why I’m sharing this story – in hopes that girls and women everywhere will take notice of Malala’s resounding example. It all begins with an unwavering decision and a single, certain step.
Congratulations to Malala and her family. May her journey continue to move onward and upward. She has been an inspiration to us all.
