Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai has been named as one of the recipients of this year’s Novel Peace Prize, in recognition of her tireless and brave campaign for education rights.
Malala will share the award with veteran children’s rights campaigner Kailash Satyarthi (60) from neighbouring India “for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education”.
The 17-year-old came to public attention when she was shot in the head by the Taliban in retaliation for highlighting the struggle faced by women in accessing education.
In a statement, The Nobel Peace Prize said that “it a prerequisite for peaceful global development that the rights of children and young people be respected”.
“Despite her youth, Malala Yousafzay has already fought for several years for the right of girls to education, and has shown by example that children and young people, too, can contribute to improving their own situations. This she has done under the most dangerous circumstances. Through her heroic struggle she has become a leading spokesperson for girls’ rights to education.”
