From a young age, Malala was against the Taliban that had invaded her hometown, Swat Valley in Pakistan. She demanded that girls be allowed an education. In 2012, The Taliban proceeded to shoot her in the head, but she survived. She later became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Malala will continue to be a ‘symbol of hope’ and an inspirational role model for people, and particulary for girls around the world. That is because she is resilient, despite the major obstacles that she faced, she continues to move forward stronger and more positive than before, nothing can break her. She is persistent and determined, she doesn’t give up, she continues fighting for what she believes in. Also, she proves that courage and bravery do not rely on age.
Malala is resilient, she overcomes anything put in her way. In evidence, when Malala started protesting for women’s rights, she was getting death threats from the Taliban, she ignored these threats and continued protesting. They then proceeded to shoot her, attempting to kill her, but she survived. Getting shot did not stop her, she came back stronger than before, more determined than before. (Malala, Wikipedia, 2019). Malala says:“After the attack, I only had two options: stop or continue my mission. And I decided to continue. That’s the only way I can see it; even death supports my mission and I mustn’t be afraid anymore.”(Kidsrights.org, 2013-Malala). Also, Malala received the 2014 Liberty Medal for her continued demonstration of courage and resilience. (Malala, Wikipedia, 2019).
Malala is a symbol of determination, she does everything in her power to fight for women’s right to education. Evidently, with all the death threats she recieved, nothing ever rattled her, she held her head up high, ignoring all risks. (Malala, Wikipedia, 2019). Everyone in Pakistan knew how determined Malala was to get an education for herself and for all the girls. The website Nobelprize.org states: ‘Her voice grew louder, and over the course of the next three years, she and her father became known throughout Pakistan for their determination to give Pakistani girls access to a free quality education’ (‘Malala Yousafzai – Biographical’. Nobelprize.org.). One of Malala’s quotes: “I don’t mind if I have to sit on the floor at school. All I want is education.” shows how determined she is to get an education. (Kidsrights.org,2013- Malala).
Courage and determination are only two terms. But, when they refer to Malala Yousafzai, these two words mean much more. Malala Yousafzai may be known as the girl who has been shot in the head and survived, yet she is much more than that. Malala’s courage outshines her fear, her courageous actions are what make her such a significant person. In an interview with the UN, Malala is asked: You have shown tremendous courage. What within you gives you that power? Malala responds to this powerful question saying “Going through all these situations in my life, I’ve learnt that, now surviving that attack, this life is for a purpose and that is for the education of children. It’s only 70, 80 years that we live, and why not live it for a good purpose? Why not live it for a service that can help humanity, that can help the world.” (Malala Interview, UN, n.d). That is the reasoning for all the courage Malala has. Also, one of Malala’s quotes state: “We were scared, but our fear was not as strong as our courage.” (Book riot, Malala quotes, 2019). This shows that even though she has a little fear and worry in her heart, the amount of courage she has will overpower the amount of fear she has. In addition, Malala has put her life on the line for a cause, so that all women can have a chance at an education. (Britannica, Malala, 2019) If that doesn’t show tremendous courage, I don’t know what does!
Malala will continue to be a powerful role model for many to look up to. She continues making an impact on girls’ lives. She is willing to deticate her life for a cause, even if that means getting death threats or even getting shot. That is what it means to be a hero, being courageous, speaking up and speaking out against a powerful group of people. Being determined, not giving up and continuing fighting for what you believe in despite anything that brings you down. And being resilient, being able to bounce back from any fallbacks, coming back even stronger than before. Today, Malala has set up a ‘Malala fund’, a non-profit orginaztaion where she continues her mission; protesting for girls’ education all around the world.
