The Courage of Malala

Before October 2021 not many people had heard the name Malala Yousafzai. Fast-forward 9 years and she is a household name. 

Malala has become known as one of the biggest names in the fight for the right to education and for her speeches, delivered with the ability to move even the most hard-hearted cynic. In 2013 she released a book about her experience as a young activist and the moment the Taliban came to silence her and this was followed by a documentary in 2015; He Named Me Malala.

What is so fantastic about this documentary is not just the story and the struggle but the fact that we get to see Malala's own role model; her father. Like many young people she looks up to her parents and recognises the impact that they have had on her life. Malala's father encouraged her education from a young age, he set up schools that would welcome girls and is an education activist. Through the documentary we also get to see that Malala is her father's role model.

The two work together to achieve their aims, both aware of what the other can provide in terms of support, international outreach and strength. This documentary and the story of Malala proves that one 'normal' person can make a difference but that it is harder on their own, being supported by those around them matters. 

Malala's autobiography I Am Malala is also a fantastic read, both the documentary and the book. He Named Me Malala is currently available on Prime Video and may well be available on Netflix in some countries but not currently Hong Kong.

If Malala has taught us anything it is that education is important, so let's follow in her footsteps and stand up for education rights around the world.

Emily~ Hong Kong