Aged only 18 years old, Malala Yousafzai has become an inspiration to women everywhere. We look at her most inspirational quotes...
At only 18 years old, Malala Yousafzai has achieved so much in her short life. Blogging for the BBC aged 11, the education activist described her life under the rule of the Taliban in her native Pakistan, and criticising the inability of young girls to receive an education. After an assassination attempt on her life, Malala has become one of the foremost figures in the fight for women's right to education all over the world, becoming one of the youngest recipients ever of the Nobel Peace Prize at 17.
With He Named Malala documenting her inspirational determination and bravery, we've decided to round up some of her best quotes to inspire us. Here is the activist in her own words...
‘They thought that the bullet would silence us, but they failed. Nothing changed in life, except this: weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, courage and fervour was born’. ‘I do not even hate the Talib who shot me. Even if there was a gun in my hand and he was standing in front of me, I would not shoot him. This is the compassion I have learned from Mohammed, the Prophet of mercy, Jesus Christ and Lord Buddha.’
‘Do remember one thing: Malala Day is not my day. Today is the day of every woman, every boy and every girl who have raised their voice for their rights.’
‘I speak not for myself, but so those without a voice can be heard.’ ‘We will continue our journey to our destination of peace and education. No one can stop us. We will speak up for our rights and we will bring change to our voice.’
'‘We realise the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.’
‘I raise up my voice not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. We cannot succeed when half of us are held back.’
‘Let us pick up our books and our pens. They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.’
‘Even if I am a girl, even if people think I can’t do it, I should not lose hope.’
‘The Taliban could take our pens and books, but they couldn’t stop our minds from thinking.’
‘We were scared, but our fear was not as strong as our courage.’
‘I don’t want to be thought of as the “girl who was shot by the Taliban,” but the “girl who fought for education.” This is the cause to which I want to devote my life.’
‘We cannot succeed when half of us are held back. We call upon our sisters around the world to be brave, to embrace the strength within themselves and realise their full potential.’
And finally, watch as Malala's words leave former The Daily Show host Jon Stewart, speechless...
