In 2012, a young Pakistani girl, Malala Yousafzai was shot by the Taliban for having the audacity to speak out for education of women. She was only 15. Fortunately, after medical care from her Pakistani and U.K. doctors she recovered. For her bravery and strength she was honored by the UN, who officially named July 12, 2013 as Malala Day.
The following is an excerpt from Malala’s UN speech:
Dear brothers and sisters, do remember one thing. Malala day is not my day. Today is the day of every woman, every boy and every girl who have raised their voice for their rights. There are hundreds of Human rights activists and social workers who are not only speaking for human rights, but who are struggling to achieve their goals of education, peace and equality. Thousands of people have been killed by the terrorists and millions have been injured. I am just one of them.
So here I stand… one girl among many.
I speak – not for myself, but for all girls and boys.
I raise up my voice – not so that I can shout, but so that 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.
The full text of Malala’s speech can be read here: