Transcription
In 2014, a young woman from Pakistan was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, proving that it is never too early to fight for peace. "I'm very proud to be the first Pashtun, the first Pakistani, and the youngest person to receive this award," she said. "Along with that, I'm pretty certain that I'm also the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize who still fights with her younger brothers."
Malala Yousafzai grew up in the Swat Valley in Pakistan. She was only 10 years old when the Taliban took control and started imposing new rules. Malala knew that she had the right not only to get an education but also to express her opinion. In collaboration with the BBC, Malala started blogging under a false name. She wrote a diary about her life, fears, and dreams, but she also criticized the Taliban regime.
Malala's blog got a lot of attention in Pakistan, and many wondered who wrote it. Eventually, her family decided to reveal the secret. The Taliban, however, did not appreciate all of this attention. Despite receiving threats, Malala kept going. After the Pakistani authorities managed to drive the Taliban out, life went back to normal.
But in October 2012, disaster struck. On her way home from school, the school bus suddenly stopped. Two men came aboard, and one of them asked, "Who is Malala?" Everything happened very fast. Critically injured, Malala was rushed to the hospital. From there, she was flown to England to receive further medical treatment. For several months, miraculously, Malala survived the attack and recovered.
The Taliban's intention was to silence Malala once and for all, but instead, she became famous. Using that attention and support, she raised awareness on the issue of education, not only in Pakistan but globally. Her activism landed her several awards, and it all peaked when she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 with Kailash Satyarthi. At the age of 17, she became the youngest Nobel laureate.
She managed to make education an international priority and prove that freedom of expression is a compelling instrument to change the world. She has also shown us that regardless of age, anyone can make a difference. "Your voice can also be a force for positive change. What are you going to use it for?"
"My great hope is that this will be the last time, this will be the last time we must fight for education. Let's solve this once and for all. We have already taken many steps. Now it is time to take a leap."