Malala Yousafzai Wins the Nobel Peace Prize for 2014

10 December 2014

When did you last do something that scared you? Or something that resulted in an important and life-changing result for someone else?

During my lifetime, I have been fortunate enough to meet some truly incredible people; and in doing so, have seen the sheer passion and commitment people have for doing good. One person in particular, whose courage and grace resonates with me, is Malala Yousafzai.

Today, I am thrilled to share that Malala has been presented with the Nobel Peace Prize. Awarded jointly to Kailash Satyarthi and Malala “for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education”, the award not only marks a proud moment for the pair, but for everyone they have given, and continue to give, a voice to. It is through acts of bravery like this that millions of others have the courage to speak out, stand up for what they believe in and fight for their rights.

“We were scared, but our fear was not as strong as our courage.”

-Malala

Malala’s journey stemmed from a deep rooted passion for freedom and equality. Born in Mingora, the Swat District of North West Pakistan, Malala regularly wrote to the BBC as an anonymous blogger, to share her thoughts on education and the threat the Taliban was exercising over her valley.

After the BBC blog ended, Malala was featured in a documentary for The New York Times – the kind of international coverage she had been desperate for.

And it was through this coverage that Malala was presented Pakistan’s first National Youth Peace Prize, and nominated by Archbishop Desmond Tutu for the International Children’s Peace Prize.

These incredible, yet dangerous achievements resulted in the Taliban voting to kill her.

On 9 October, 2012, a masked gunman entered her school bus and asked for Malala by name. Malala was shot with a single bullet which went through her head, neck and shoulder.

While in a critical condition, Malala survived the shot, and was transferred to the UK to be treated, and later discharged.

“It feels like this life is not my life. It’s a second life. People have prayed to God to spare me and I was spared for a reason — to use my life for helping people.”

–ABC interview, 2013

Earlier this year, Malala supported Free the Children’s event, WE Day. As Chair of WE Day UK, I am heavily involved in the event, which invites children from a number of schools across the UK, to attend a celebration of their commitment to making a difference globally. Malala had a great presence at WE Day, really hammering home the importance of finding and using your voice for greater good. During her talk she said: “I believe in one thing… we should love each other.” You could have heard a pin drop in the arena, the kids were so empowered by her words.

I want to dedicate this blog to Malala, to her strength, courage and burning passion. I can’t think of anyone more deserving, congratulations!

So here I stand, one girl among many. I speak not for myself, but so those without a voice can be heard. Those who have fought for their rights. Their right to live in peace. Their right to be treated with dignity. Their right to equality of opportunity. Their right to be educated.

-Malala