At just sixteen, Malala Yousafzai can safely be called one of the most prominent role models of our time. At just fourteen she was a victim of attempted assassination by the Taliban for campaigning for girls' education in Pakistan. Surviving a gunshot in the head, Malala continues to inspire people around the world. Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize, one of Glamour's Women of the Year 2013 and has been called the "Bravest Girl in the World". I do not disagree.
Generally, as a girl obsessed with fashion, you would assume all of my role models come from the fashion world (and a lot of them do...). But I have been brought up by my mum, the woman responsible for teaching me to be a feminist and spotting iconic women (and men) around the world from different times. It was my mum who pointed out Malala to me and I am hooked.
I suppose we were all due a female role model who had been suppressed her whole life by threats and rules but continued protesting anyway. Malala's bravery harks back to the Suffragettes, women who believed in what they were protesting for so strongly that they put their life on the line.
Perhaps this strength was ingrained in Malala since birth, her very name means "grief stricken" - named after Malalai of Maiwand, a famous Pashtun poet and warrior woman from Afghanistan. Her education is largely due to her father, also an education activist, who has encouraged her throughout her life.
"The terrorists thought they would change my aims and stop my ambitions, but nothing changed in my life except this: weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born ... I am not against anyone, neither am I here to speak in terms of personal revenge against the Taliban or any other terrorist group. I'm here to speak up for the right of education for every child. I want education for the sons and daughters of the Taliban and all terrorists and extremists."
What is ironic is how Malala is condemned by many in Pakistan. They claim she is "a tool of the West" and does not represent Pakistan. Her memoir "I Am Malala" is banned in 40,000 private schools in Pakistan for apparently being offensive to Islam.
We all have a lot to learn from Malala.
Fight for what you love.
Ruby
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