Rarely does a student get pulled from class to hear they are the recipient of one of the world's most prestigious awards. In fact, it has never happened. Malala Yousafzai, the young student who captured the globe's attention with her fearlessness and advocacy for girls' education, is sharing the Nobel Peace Prize with Kailash Satyarthi, who has fought to end child labor and children trafficking. The two recipients, 17 and 60 respectfully, were awarded the prize for "their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education,” according to the Norwegian Nobel Committee. They will share the $1.1 million prize equally.
"I’m proud that I am the first Pakistani and I am honored that I am the first young woman or the first young person to be receive this award,” Malala said in a press conference from Britain. “I’m thankful to my father for not clipping my wings and for letting me to fly.”
Malala has been championing for girls' education from a very early age. When she was 11, she was featured in a documentary where she spoke about the Taliban closing girls' schools in Pakistan’s Swat Valley. She also wrote a blog for the BBC about how girls should be able to get an education. And two years ago, while riding a school bus, a Taliban gunman boarded the bus and cried, "Who is Malala." She was shot in the head -- shattering her skull -- and survived.
From her hospital bed in Birmingham, England, Malala and her friend Shiza Shahid created the Malala Fund, a non-profit that aims to educate every girl. In January, FORBES reported the organization received two grants totaling $400,000. While the threats have not ceased, Malala still fights for her cause.
Malala will have a one-on-one talk with Ronan Farrow at the Forbes Under 30 Summit on Oct. 22. She will discuss her journey and the initiatives she believes can help millions achieve their goal of going to school. The summit brings together over a thousand members of the Forbes 30 Under 30 list with some of the globe’s top leaders and mentors to create partnerships that will change the world over the next 50 years. The Under 30 Summit will take place in Philadelphia from Oct. 19 – 22.
