Malala

The 16-year-old Malala Yousafzai from Pakistan was nominated for the Nobel peace prize. Although she didn’t win the prize in the end, I think she really would have deserved it.

Malala grew up in the Swat valley in Pakistan and already at the age of 11 she blogged about her life and raised awareness about terrorist actions performed by the Taliban. Also, she has been an activist for women’s rights for a few years now. She has especially been fighting for girl’s education and their right to go to school. Because of these “crimes” the Taliban attempted to assassinate her in October 2012. They stopped her school bus and shot her in the head! However, Malala survived and was taken to a British hospital for treatment. Malala is still living in Great Britain, but she’s never stopped fighting for women’s rights and against terrorism in Pakistan.

From my point of view Malala’s strength and courage are simply incredible. I am in awe of her because she made me realize how a single person – a teenager – can have an impact on the world.

In Austria people fortunately are in a position where they don’t have to fight for anything or are threatened by terrifying conditions. I mean let’s face it - compared to war, hunger, open violence or a terrorist group controlling your country, the Austrian dissatisfaction with our politicians or our outrage about financial dealings can rarely be taken into account.

What’s more, Austrian people tend to complain about many things, but how many people really do something crucial to change the world or the current situation?

In the interview I posted below Malala makes a really interesting statement – she says that human beings usually don’t really appreciate anything until it is snatched from their hands. Considering this, I guess we Austrians should be thankful we don't have to protest for basic rights that should be available to every human being – but does that mean we can just sit back and let wrong things happen in the world without doing something about it?

I am convinced Malala’s story should be shared, because she should be a role model for everybody. What is keeping us from taking action and making the world a better place? I guess similar thoughts sometimes pop op in many people’s minds. Like for example “I’m only one person - how am I supposed to change the world on my own?” or “I’m so young. I’ll focus on my studies and later, when I’m older and have a good job, I’ll use it to change the world.” Sometimes one can be overwhelmed by the feeling that “the system” and society are not going to change because of one person. However, despite all these points Malala proved that it is possible to have an impact. And she didn’t stop, although her life was threatened. Her courage simply amazes me.

So why not us? Why not now?

I’m not saying we have to go and risk our lives, but I think it would already be a good start to make the world a little better by being kinder to one another and by standing up when we see injustice done to somebody. 

In the video below Malala states some inspiring things about education, courage, speaking up for one’s rights and fighting terrorism by using peace and education.