Malala honoured with French award for women's freedom

11 January, 2013

Malala Yousafzai, a symbol of women emancipation, became a household name after the Taliban tried to silence her for daring to campaign for girls' education in Swat Valley of Pakistan. When she was attacked in broad daylight, all the nations got to know about the heroism of the 15-year-old.

HONOURING THE young soul's aim and courage, the French award, Simone de Beauvoir Prize for Womens' Freedom was given to Malala Yousafzai. Accepting the honour on her behalf, father Ziauddin Yousafzai gave a passionate speech.

He said: “When she was targeted, she fell but Pakistan stood up. She fell but the world and the East and West and the North and South supported her and her cause - education, freedom of thought and freedom of expression. When she was shot, guard protected her. Had the guard not been with them, she would have died. But the guard protected her and protected the cause, which is the cause of humanity, and the cause of peace and the cause of education.”

Malala, who in an interview said that she wants to be a politician, was gunned down by hit-men while she was returning from school. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack and in their defense said that the girl was going against the Islamic laws. She was grievously hurt as a bullet went through her head, neck and got lodged in her shoulder.

That one bullet not only transported Malala's message across the globe but also informed many about the crises, which the country is facing.