Malala Yousafzai, 17, is a Pakistani activist for female education. She is mainly known for her human rights advocacy especially for women. The Taliban banned female education in Pakistan, Malala’s home country. Her battle for equal rights has now become a worldwide movement.

Malala was not shy about her beliefs, and due to this, an assassin attempted to kill her. She was shot through the shoulder, neck, and head, but still survived and pursued equal rights for all. She has made many inspirational speeches, including an 18 minute long plea for all to band together for equal education rights.

Malala stated during her speech to the UN, “We are human beings and this is the part of our human nature, that we don’t learn the importance of anything, until it’s snatched from our hands. And when, in Pakistan when we were stopped from going to school, at that time I realized that education is very important and education is the power for women and that’s why the terrorists are afraid of education. They do not want women to get education because then women will become more powerful.” In the United States, equal opportunities for education are available for each gender. However, it is apparent that some students take their education for granted.  “Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.”

Malala Yousafzai is certainly a role model for all. She was recently awarded a Nobel Peace Prize, making her the youngest recipient in history for her fearlessness and bravery to stand up for what she believed in.