Why Is Malala Yousafzai Important?

In the spotlight for millions of people to watch, Malala Yousafzai accepted the Nobel Peace prize as the youngest prizewinner in history. “If one man can destroy everything, why can’t one girl change it?” was the quote from her acceptance speech that would begin her journey as a role model and serve as a template for change in the eyes of modern day activists and protesters. Although all she did was stand up to defend what she believed in, Malala Yousafzai became an idol for the future of change. According to an article in The New York Times, on the afternoon of October 9, 2012, Malala Yousafzai was boarding a school bus to attend school, which is illegal because females cannot receive an education in Pakistan. Shortly after, the Taliban ambushed the bus and identified Malala, placed a gun to her head and pulled the trigger three times (Walsh A1). Malala was adamant and did not fear the consequences of her actions for she believed that the education of women was far more important than her life. Providing …show more content…
As a child, Malala’s parents would let her be herself and do things that are considered unethical in the average Pakistani household. One online news website states, “I’m thankful to my father for not clipping my wings — for letting me to fly and achieve my goals, for showing to the world that a girl is not supposed to be the slave…” (“Malala Yousafzai’s Nobel Peace Prize Speech”). Malala was not afraid to express her mind and be who she wanted to be. This mindset would soon lead her to the moment when she would encounter the Taliban. Her fearlessness and acceptance for the outcome of her actions show how well aware she was and how she carried through with what she wanted despite the horrid consequences. Her childhood and family prepared her to be ready for everything and always to attempt to do the