Malala Yousafzai Wins Human Rights Award
Congratulations to Malala Yousafzai! The brave 16-year-old education activist from Pakistan was awarded Europe's prestigious Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought on Thursday.
© UNICEF/NYHQ2013-0739/MarkiszMalala Yousafzai of Pakistan speaks at U.N. Headquarters on September 25 for the launch of the Global Education First Initiative.
Malala, who was shot in October, 2012 for speaking out about a girl's right to go to school, has been a tireless advocate for girls' education since her recovery.
In July, she spoke at United Nations Headquarters in New York, saying, "They thought a bullet would silence us, but they failed. Nothing changed in my life except this: Weaknesses, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born.” She returned to New York in September to help launch the U.N. Secretary-General's Global Education First Initiative.
Malala has also joined the effort to assist Syrian children whose educations have been disrupted by conflict in that country.
“Malala is an inspiration to millions,” UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake has said. “Her bravery and determination mirror that of the girls and boys around the world risking their lives every day as they pursue their right to an education."
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