Today's task with the Summer Learning Journey is "Girl Power" For this activity, we would like to choose one role model and tell us about them. What makes them a role model? They can be people you know personally, people you have seen on television or the internet, people you have heard on the radio or people you have heard about from a friend or a family member. You do not have to know them personally. On your blog, tell us about your chosen role model. Please be sure to tell us why you think they are a role model. Who do you think has made an impact on your life or someone else's of being a role model, and what did they do?
Malala Yousafzai
The daughter of an outspoken social activist and educator, Yousafzai was an excellent student. Her father who established and administered the school she attended, Khushal Girls High School and College in the city of Mingora encouraged her to follow in his path. In 2007 the Swat valley, once a vacation destination, was invaded. Led by Maulana Fazlullah, the Taliban started destroying and shutting down girls’ schools, banning women from any active role in society, and carrying out suicide bombings.
Yousafzai and her family fled the region for their safety, but they returned when tensions and violence eased. Around the time Malala was ten years old, the Taliban began to take over the region where she lived. The Taliban were strict Muslims who demanded that all people follow Islamic Sharia law. They said that women were to stay at home. If a woman left her home, she was to wear a burqa (a garment that covers the body, head, and face) and must be accompanied by a male relative. The Taliban were not happy with Malala. Even though the fighting had ended and the schools were open again, there were still Taliban throughout the city. Malala was told to speaking out and received numerous death threats.
One day after school, on October 9, 2012, Malala was taking the bus home with her friend. Suddenly, a man with a gun boarded the bus. He asked "Who is Malala?" and said he would kill them all if they didn't tell him. Then he shot Malala in the head.
As the joint winner of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize, Malala is a powerful role model for girls growing up in Pakistan and those living in countries where cultural, political and economic factors prevent them from living happy, secure and productive lives to speak up and speak out. I think Malala Yousafzai is a role model to the whole world for pushing through everything she has been through, not only that but she strives and is a very influential person that speaks for her own and other people's rights.
(Image Attributions: FESO Asia)
Hi Bella,
ReplyDeleteMalala Yousafzai is such an amazing and inspirational woman. I’ve always been raised to stand up for what I believe in and fight for mine and others rights, so Malala’s bravery and strength resonates amazingly with me. I’m not sure if I were in her position I could be so brave! She is an exceptional role model!
You’ve provided an amazing depth of background on her as well as solid reasoning on why you find her to be an amazing role model. It’s beautifully written and incredibly well-phrased. Well done!
Perhaps you could add some quotes from Malala or list some of her accomplishments to add to your post. This is just an optional suggestion though, you’ve done an outstanding job.
Keep up the great work!
Shannon (SLJ)