Malala: What she means to me, my generation and the world

This week means many things for the girl who has been called “the bravest girl in the world”, Malala Yousafzai. Yesterday, October 8th, her autobiography, “I Am Malala”, was released. Yesterday, the Taliban threatened her life again if she does continues to use her voice. Exactly one year ago today, she was shot in the head on her way home from school by the Taliban who wanted to silence her for speaking out for the rights of girls to go to school. This Friday, October 11th, the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize will be announced and there is a really big chance that Malala could win it.

I feel a very deep connection to Malala right now. I am so honoured to be a We Day speaker and I am so humbled to be sharing Malala’s story with many thousands of young people ready to change the world! As I tell her story from the We Day stage I am drawing courage and inspiration from her. It is truly amazing that the first mention of her name gets cheers from the crowd. They are not cheering for me, but for her. Malala inspires young people to believe that we are never too young to change the world and that some find the courage to speak out even in the face of danger. She has proven that ever since she was 10 years old when she began to blog. She advocates for education and believes that everyone has a right to go to school. Her message is also about peace, kindness, respect and equality. She believes that it begins with education. She says, “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world. Malala is the strongest and loudest voice of young people, of girls and of my generation!

Also this Friday, October 11th, is the International Day of the Girl. How awesome would it be if on this day Malala becomes the youngest recipient ever of the Nobel Peace Prize? Malala has shown great courage, responsibility, respect and initiative. When she heard that the Taliban had made threats to kill her, she first thought that she will hit him with a shoe. But then she reflected on it more and realized that if she did that, acted with violence, she and the Taliban would be the same. Instead she said she would speak to him and tell him how important education is and she wants education for his children too. They tried to kill her and she survived. I think that she will continue to be in danger and hope that she will continue to be surrounded by people to protect her.

I am reading her book that was sent to me by her publisher. I am enjoying learning about her family and her life before the Taliban – before her rights were taken away. I think that she gets her love of education from her father who ran schools for girls where she lived. In her book you really get to know her and what her life was like before she became the Malala that we all know about now. The events of last year when she was shot are only the last few chapters of the book.

This is what she says about her speech at the UN:

Standing up to address an audience inside the vast hall where so many world leaders have spoken before was daunting, but I knew what I wanted to say. This is your chance Malala, I said to myself. Only 400 people were sitting around me, but when I looked out, I imagined millions more. I did not write the speech only with the UN delegates in mind; I wrote it for every person around the world who could make a difference. I wanted to reach all people living in poverty, those children forced to work and those who suffer from terrorism or lack of education. Deep in my heart I hoped to reach every child who could take courage from my words and stand up for his or her rights.

Malala is, without a doubt the most powerful, inspirational, motivational, empowering and loudest voice for young people of my generation. I will be waiting and hoping to hear that she will receive the Nobel Peace Prize this coming Friday. But you know, whether she wins or not, she is a hero and role-model for me and for millions of young people, especially girls,  all over the world.