Malala Yousafzai

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/10/07/malala-yousafzai-pakistani-girl-shot-by-taliban-under-new-threat/

Malala Yousafzai is the Pakistani girl who was almost murdered by the Pakistan Taliban for defying a ban on female education. Malala inspired the world after she survived a bullet to the head at the age of fifteen. Her family runs a chain of schools in the region. She was 12 years old when she wrote a blog about her views on promoting education for girls and attempts to take control of the problem. In 2012, Malala was shot in the head as she boarded a school bus in Pakistan. After surgery and intensive rehabilitation, Malala lived. The Taliban has admitted to the attack and still targets her as an enemy today as she finishes writing her book and becoming the youngest person to receive a Nobel Peace Prize. Malala received worldwide praise from human rights groups for standing up for education for girls. After Malala completes her education she wants to become a politician to change the future of her country and make education accessible to everyone.
After I read Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, I noticed how similar Marjane is to Malala. Marjane would fight for her rights and the rights of others. She would rebel against the dress code for Muslim women in public. When she was stopped on the street for wearing Nikes, a jacket, and her head dress undone, she lied and could not stand up for herself. However, in school when the teachers demanded the girls to wear longer scarves and a stricter dress code, Marjane finally stood up for the class and for the equality of gender. She believed that the boys did not learn any different if the girls scarves were longer. It was not fair and she stated her opinion. Malala stood up for girls and their ability to go to school. Similarly to Marjane, Malala went on the write a book called "I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up For Education And Was Shot By The Taliban". Both girls have been through different types of oppression and have taken a stand for what they believe is right and equal. I praise both women for what they have done for I feel like I could never do what they did. Both women are influential and symbolize feminism especially for Muslim women. I am a feminist and I do believe in gender equality within all races and religions. Figures like Malala and Marjane make me proud to me a woman.