Paying Tribute: Women activists laud teenage icon’s stand on education

Women peace activists and human rights campaigners pay tributes to Malala at the start of a regional dialogue.

ISLAMABAD: Women peace activists and human rights campaigners paid rich tributes to Malala Yousafzai at the start of a regional dialogue on women’s role in building peace in Islamabad on Friday.

The dialogue, which was organised by the Women’s Regional Network, started with honouring Malala for her support for girls’ education. The regional dialogue brought together representatives from Afghanistan, Pakistan and India to talk about the impact of militarisation, insecurity and corruption on women in the region.

A poster with Malala’s photo adorned the speakers’ podium, with the slogan “Education for all, Peace for the region” written in bold letters below the photo. Participants lit candles to show their support for Malala and wished her a speedy recovery.

Acclaimed poet Kishwer Naheed read her Urdu poem “Taliban Se Qibla-ru Guftagu” to pay tribute to Malala. The opening line of the poem, after translation reads: “Those who were frightened even by girls,” has gained renewed significance since the attack on the 15-year-old peace icon.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th, 2012.