He Named Me Malala

I am honored to be one of the Malala Fund Ambassadors helping spread the
word about the new film, He Named Me Malala.

I have a hard time with this one.

You, of course, know about Malala, the girl who was shot in the head by the Taliban for voicing her opinion about girls and education. I have a hard time because I can’t really comprehend a country where girls and women are so inconsequential. Where only boys are allowed to be educated. Where women are second class citizens. Where children are shot for speaking out. I have a hard time because I have 3 daughters who are educated and opinionated and are allowed to speak their mind when so many girls their age are not. I have a hard time understanding.

Last week I had the privilege of speaking with Malala. She is wise for a girl her age, she has lived through things no teenager should ever have to experience. As a Nobel Peace Prize winner, she is an inspiration. She is a fighter, she is a voice for those girls who have no voice. As a mother, I pray that my own children have the courage to speak out, fight for injustice, and make a difference in the world.

In listening to Malala speak, it is easy to fall in love with her. You probably didn’t know that Malala actually started blogging for the BBC when she was only 11 years old, under a pseudonym. Even at 11 she knew that her voice and her words were powerful.

How can you speak up when so many around you aren’t?

It is everyone’s duty to speak up for what’s right, despite the fact that you might be the only one doing so. One voice can make a difference. “Change does not come by itself. It’s we who bring it,” explains Malala.

How did your Dad raise you up, not down; give you positive reinforcement about a woman’s education?

“Ask him what he didn’t do, not what he did. He did not clip my wings.” – Malala

What can young boys do to help?

“Every child should have the right to have safe, secure, and quality education. We need young boys and girls to get involved, speak up. We want the world to see change.” – Malala

What is the most significant way being Muslim has impacted your activism?

“Peace, humanity, loving each other, taking care of each other. I feel like I’ve made it part of my life to be kind to others, to be peaceful, to believe in forgiveness.” – Malala

What would you tell girls to do to make a difference in the world?

“It’s important for girls to believe in themselves. They have no limit at all. They can do anything they like. There is no difference. We all are human beings.” – Malala

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

“Every day I’ll work hard and the Malala Fund will work hard. We want things to change and our lives to become happier and more peaceful and every child goes to school.” – Malala