On the 12th of July, we together as a Borough celebrated the birthday of a very special girl.
Malala Yousafzai is someone who has become an international figure, her message has reached millions of children and Ealing is no exception.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Southbank centre to see Malala live from the United States, giving her first public speech after being shot by the Taliban at the age of 15; simply for campaigning women's right to education. It was a historic day for all, a day she might not have lived to see. Although we celebrated her birthday, we also reflected on the terrible hardships that young girls like Malala face around the world.
Malala's speech was moving, inspirational and powerful, that enlightened people and made them realise that ‘one person, one voice can make a difference.’
Malala explained that she was speaking for all boys and girls and their rights “so that those without a voice can be heard.” She repeatedly emphasised that all governments should work together, towards the common goal of creating peace in all regions; with a focus on providing free compulsory education for each and every child. She went on to say that she was focusing on girls’ education because they are ‘suffering the most’.
Her speech had a great impact on the young people of Ealing, not just girls but boys too. Ghazanfar Khan, from Ealing stated that ‘it was inspiring to see a young girl doing so much in such difficult circumstances’ he also went to say that she had inspired him to study harder saying ‘if she can do it so can I!’
Hira Aftab , a 15 year old from Twyford high school explained that ‘her bravery has encouraged millions of girls to stand up for their rights. It has also inspired girls like me to make the most of our education, seeing that some girls have to actually fight to get theirs'.
When interviewing young people of Ealing on this issue, it was incredible to see many young boys supporting her campaign and being genuinely interested on the issue of educating more females. Sagar Ghelani, ex youth mayor of Ealing proudly stated ‘Probably the best speech I've ever heard! We talk about campaigns, what we believe in, what we want to change, but none of us would risk our lives for it!’
He continued ‘Who said you can't gain inspiration from a 16 year old? We struggle to give 5% of our time for changing the community and helping others. She put her life on a plate for it!’
Although her message relates to events thousands of miles away, they still permeate through to the schools and children of Ealing, where so many can relate to her aspirations and a burning desire to achieve. It is often expressed in media that teenagers are fighting against education but clearly the young people of Ealing have proved it wrong and have joined Malala’s fight for education.
