5 Things I Learned From The World’s Youngest Nobel Peace Prize Winner

The Taliban shot her in the head for advocating for girls’ rights

“One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.”

~Malala Yousafzai

Another year, another International Women’s Day, and what a perfect time to share the lessons I learned from this young girl, Malala Yousafzai. She is the first female from Pakistan and the youngest person in the world to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. She is also the winner of Pakistan’s first National Youth Peace Prize in 2012 and the Sakharov Prize in 2013.

Malala Yousafzai’s inspirational story sparked a wave of awareness across the globe. In the unfavorable circumstances, she shined through all the controversies and paved the way for difficult dialogues that people are usually shy of.

Both Malala and I have a few things in common. We share the same gender and nationality. We speak the same language, share the same passion for education, and love our country for all the right reasons.

I belong to a family where women are given equal importance when it comes to education and career. I used to think the same about the women in my country. Unfortunately, I was proved wrong when Malala’s story surfaced. Indeed, it is not an easy feat to fight your way up and braving through all the obstacles coming your way.

Here is what I learned from one of the strongest women I admire, respect, and get inspiration from.

1. Unwavering courage is tested and rewarded

Eat, drink, and be merry is considered an ideal way of spending one’s life. Malala could have chosen to do what every other girl in her village was doing. Instead, she stood up for her rights. It takes a lot of courage to speak up for the things that have an obvious outcome.

Malala proved her mettle in challenging circumstances. She was constantly receiving death threats, but her determination never stopped her from chasing her dreams. When we have a goal to achieve, we don’t care about the consequences.

It’s the law of nature to test human beings. It’s upon us to choose if we want to carry on or give in. Malala not only showed immense bravery but also demonstrated composure and remain stayed focused on her cause.

It’s only after taking the bullet courageously. The world came to know her story. But before that, it was her journey alone. People accused her of being accidentally famous. I beg to differ. Instead, she was rewarded for her strength, winning attitude, and sticking to her cause. It was courageous of her to present her ideas, stimulated by a movement and refused to bow down.

2. Amplify the voice of the voiceless

In Malala’s own words,

“We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.”

What a powerful statement to make. As long as we have the privilege to spend life in the way how we perceive it, we don’t care about those who are less privileged. The balance can shift drastically if we stop wasting our energies on mindless gossips and worthless controversial theories.

In today’s digital world, it is easy to find out the issues which need our attention. It can be girl’s education, domestic violence, or the lack of availability of clean water. Malala used to write for BBC when she was only 11-years-old. If a minor girl living in a remote village with limited resources and danger of losing her life can do it, what excuse do we have?

We don’t need to be an activist to give a voice to the voiceless. As a writer, it’s my responsibility to amplify their voices.

“The pen is mightier than a sword” ~Edward Bulwer-Lytton

An idea presented beautifully can have a powerful impact on the people. Choose any medium you can to make those heard who are not lucky enough. Become that connecting link to bridge the distance between them and the world.

3. Raise the bar by walking the talk

It’s easier to say that we support a cause, but it’s much harder to take some practical steps. There are many activists working on one cause or the other. But what sets Malala apart is her taking the charge of this movement in her own way.

She was aware of the forces working against her. They warned her multiple times. The movement for girl’s right to get an education was still her number one priority. She kept going to school; she insisted through her diary that she is on the right path.

Malala’s desire to dream big is one of her outstanding strengths. She never lost her ability to do what was in her power to make her dream come true. Her leadership attitude opened the door of opportunity in that region for generations to come.

4. Positive mental attitude sails the boat

Negativity can make any situation worse. It puts a brake on one’s potential. Malala’s optimistic approach to life helped her survive the blow. She could have backed off and spent the rest of her life in government protection. Instead, she chose to fight with whatever she had.

Malala doesn’t want her to claim to fame as “the girl who was shot by the Taliban” but as “the girl who fought for education”. Her perseverance to continue working toward her goals shows she wants to look at the brighter side of the picture.

She has paid the price for her courage, but she doesn't want to dwell on the difficulties that came her way. I learned that the mind that radiates positive thoughts during adversities makes a big difference in the long run.

5. Humbleness

After watching multiple interviews with Malala, her down-to-earth personality impressed me the most. She never portrayed herself as the victim. Instead, she insisted on being the ordinary girl who wants education as her birthright.

With a comforting smile on her face and a dupatta tucked on her head, Malala Yousufzai displayed that success of any sort is temporary, but the character is permanent.

She appears on our screen as a girl-hero who believes that fame can’t impede her purpose. Her purpose is to ensure that no girl is denied an education.

“Being humble means recognizing that we are not on earth to see how important we can become, but to see how much difference we can make in the lives of others.” — Gordon B. Hinckley

A final look at what I learned from the life of Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai is a symbol of peace. Her life is conveying a strong message that even one person irrespective of age, gender, race, and religion can impact the world in a positive way. She has shown us the direction. It’s now upon us to keep her struggle alive.

-She has taught me that a person can stand their ground only if they believe in themselves. -We change the lives of millions by using the privileges we have. -A leader doesn't shy away from adversities but leads from the front to carve an opportunity for everyone around. -Optimism is the source to sustain during the hard times. -Fame and being humble can go together.

Here are some of Malala’s quotes that stood out for me.

“I truly believe the only way we can create global peace is through not only educating our minds, but our hearts and our souls.”

“Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow’s reality.”

“The world needs leadership based on serving humanity — not based on how many weapons you have.”