My family and I are heartbroken after hearing the news that more than 100 innocent children and teachers have lost their lives.
I tell my story, not because it’s unique, but because it’s not. It is the story of many girls.
I do not even hate the Talib who shot me. Even if there was a gun in my hand and he stands in front of me, I would not shoot him.
Malala Day is not my day. It is the day of every girl and every boy. It is a day when we come together to raise our voices, so that those without a voice can be heard.
I want every girl, every child to be educated.
We are stronger than those who oppress us, who seek to silence us. We are stronger than the enemies of education. We are stronger than fear, hatred, violence and poverty.
The best way to fight terrorism is to do it through a peaceful way. I believe that a war can never be ended by a war.
In many parts of the world, especially Pakistan and Afghanistan, terrorism, war and conflict stop children to go to their schools. We are really tired of these wars. Women and children are suffering.
We cannot succeed when half of us are held back. We call upon our sisters around the world to be brave, to embrace the strength within themselves and realize their full potential.
Let us pick up our books and pencils. They are our most powerful weapon.
I am not here to speak against the Taliban. I’m here to speak up for the right of every child.
The content of a book holds the power of education and it is with this power that we can shape our future and change lives.
I think life is always dangerous. Some people get afraid of it. Some people don’t go forward. But some people, if they want to achieve their goal, they have to go. They have to move...
I don’t want to be remembered as the girl who was shot. I want to be remembered as the girl who stood up.
There was a time when women social activists asked men to stand up for their rights, but this time we will do it by ourselves. I am not telling men to step away from speaking for women’s rights rather I am focusing on women to be independent to fight for themselves.
A girl has the power to go forward in her life. And she’s not only a mother, she’s not only a sister, she’s not only a wife. But a girl has the – she should have an identity. She should be recognized and she has equal rights as a boy.
If we want to end terrorism we need to bring quality education so we defeat the mindset of terrorism mentality and of hatred.
People say Malala’s voice is being sold to the world. But I see it as Malala’s voice reaching the world and resonating globally. You should think about what is behind Malala’s voice. What is she saying? I am only talking about education, women’s rights, and peace.
We felt like the Taliban saw us as little dolls to control, telling us what to do and how to dress. I thought if God wanted us to be like that He wouldn’t have made us all different.
Fifty seven million children across the world don’t want an iPhone, Xbox or chocolates. They want a book and pen.