Malala Yousafzai exudes the confidence and determination that all children across the world need in order to demand and seek education. PHOTO: REUTERS
If all women across Pakistan and the world were educated equally, the world would be a more resourceful place, as would Pakistan. Currently, Pakistan’s male to female ratio is approximately 1.07, meaning that there are only slightly more men than women in the country’s population. A high percentage of these women are not educated and this results in a major disadvantage for the country and its economy as we are not cashing in on this valuable resource. It is a shame that even while being one of the few countries in the world which have had female prime ministers so early on in their history, we are still unable to educate most of our women. Instead, an innocent girl from Swat had to be shot in the head by the Taliban before we took notice of the bleak state of education for women. Nonetheless, it is comforting to recognise that the entire world has now taken notice and supports the cause of women and education.
Malala was correct when she said in her UN speech, “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education first.” There is no denying the power of a pen and paper and Malala’s words should resonate with all children and parents across the world. With many nations taking notice of Malala’s speech, it seems that awareness to place all children across the world in schools has finally set in.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 15th, 2013.
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COMMENTS (8)
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@Sier: Probably , what is probably meant is that education of any one person through an system of books, teachers and other academic imput, can change the lives of common persons.
Its like a line of POETRY. One has to understand the feeling and imagery and inspiration behind the words.
@Burjor: Well said. My hats off to you. Pakistan badly needs nation builders and one little girl - an angel -- who just wanted to do that, got shot by gun-toting evil men who do not understand the difference between civilized behaviour and barbarism, who have been brainwashed in madrassahs with hate-mongering and religious fanaticism. Think, Pakistanis, what is happening to your nation. What have you exactly achieved in the 65 years of your so-called "independence" which has only brought tragedy to the masses (except the corrupt politicians, military and mullahs who for their personal agenda are destroying the nation). What can be done to stop the rot? The endeavour towards this goal must come from the botton instead from the top which is becoming the satan's courtyard. Is there no brave and courageous leader with a vision who can lead the country to a better future before it integrates? The Sharifs, Zardaris, Imran Khans and Kayanis are certainly not good leaders -- they are merely seeking their personal gains, and have disporportionately huge personal egos.
We are just following an international bandwagon blindly! Yes, the so called TTP has caused damage to education, but we forget to mention the fact that they have destroyed everything in FATA & we also forget to mention the fear in which those people live in! one side it is TTP & on the other side the US drones! Secondly, corruption & minimalist budget allocation for education is the major reason for illiteracy in Pakistan, NOT the Talibans! Its not only about girls education, even boys are not able to study due to ghost Govt school, corruption & lack of funds! We need to open our eyes! too much of Malala! she's going to stay abroad till she gets mature enough to participate in Pakistani politics, she's going to be backed by international forces. Its all politics and not about education and Pakistan's suffering.
Pakistan should have emphasized education soon after August 1947. Our hatred of our neighbours, our hatred of their religion, out hatred of their politics in Kashmir, has had disasterous consequences which we now all have to bear. We have to revisit our history, be honest to ourselves, for our own good and for the good of future generations. We cannot make any progress, live in peace, if we think and practice revenge. There will allways be injustices in life, allways be nations stronger than us, allways be other people to contend with, their opinions, their culture, their religion, their politics etc, the way to go forth in life is to engage peacefully. Humans are recognized by their ability to use their minds. Some use it destructively and some use it constructively. Therefore it is never to late to recognize, where we are, and where we wish to go. We are a very badly mislead nation, our values, our thoughts, our actions, our culture, all bear witness to this simple truth. Why is it that after 65 years our literacy rate is so low? Why do young people like Malala have to be shot. Why are there more guns in Pakistan than books, Why are there more extremists people than teachers? Why are there so many people who teach and practice extremism?
One child one teacher ? does not make sense.
Perhaps the biggest shame is that the thugs who tried to kill her still roam free in Pakistan and that nothing has been done to improve women's education/rights. Like so many tragedies in Pakistan media attention doesn't result in meaningful action.
There are not many moments in my life when I feel proud to originally come from Pakistan, but this as one. A young girl Taliban tried to silence and has become attention from all over the world. There are many in Pakistan who look up to her, but many think it is a western conspiracy to malign Islam. It appears you cannot make everybody happy. These people are a disgrace: Taliban and those who think this as a conspiracy. It is shameful that Shahbaz Sharif criticized her speech saying that it was meant for global consumption. That is a shame. After all she helped improve Pakistan's image. May be because she did not praise Punjab, that is why
One child, one teacher, one pen and one book - I will remember this for a long time to come. I am sure millions of Pakistanis will remember this and try and do their bit to improve our country. I know this will force me to think and then act to help with the education situation. Even if I manage to educate one child.
Can the same be said of our politicians, bureaucrats, army and the militants that room freely?