Not too long ago, the Tribe Scribe told the story of a very brave 14-year-old Pakistani girl, Malala Yousufzai in the Let's Hear it for the Gals post. Simply put, Malala is our hero. Her mission is a mission we support with every ounce of our being. And I know it's silly, but when I was thinking about Malala and her beautiful passion for her mission, Beyonce's empowering 'Girls (who run the world)' started playing in my mind (hence the article title).
If you are not aware of Malala's passion and powerful voice, here's a bit of background...Malala started speaking out when she was just 11, after the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan and started closing girls' schools. Malala wanted something that we sometimes take for granted - she wanted an education. Is that too much to ask for? She dreamt of being a doctor. Tragedy hit and this dream was almost cut short a couple of weeks ago, though, when Malala was shot by the Taliban.
Sadly, Malala's struggle to access education is a problem that is far too common around the globe. Malala, though, is a symbol of courage for young women around the world - both those who have access to education and those who do not. Malala is a symbol of courage for me too. As I sit here and think more deeply about what she has been subjected to, tears well up in my eyes. If there is a silver lining in this at all, I guess it would be that Malala's struggle and hardship has opened the world's eyes on a much larger social issue. I strongly believe this is a great opportunity to start the discussion in our own classrooms in the western world about what is happening beyond our borders. It's a call to action to make a difference and stand up for something bigger. And her strength gives me hope. Her strength and perseverance through recovery is a true testament to the struggles she endures daily. She is one brave chick.
As Malala recovers and we track her progress, we have spent time both reflecting on this larger social issue as well as sending as many positive vibes we could muster up her way. We also recently came across the Malala Yousufzai Family Fund on Indiegogo. As the page states, they are a "family fund supporting Malala Yousufzai's recovery and her broader cause: Girls' education in Pakistan. We're a group with personal and public ties to Malala." We encourage you to take some time today to learn more, and if you feel inclined, to contribute to the cause on Indiegogo. With 70 days left in their campaign, The Malala Yousufzai Family Fund has raised a whopping $46,605 of their $100,000 goal. Incredible.
Here is some more information about the mission and purpose of the campaign:
MISSION STATEMENT: Malala and/or her father, Ziauddin, will receive the entirety of this fund for future healthcare and education costs for the family, and/or for them to allocate any portion of the fund to other non-profit organizations of their choice that support the cause Malala risked her life for: girls education in Pakistan. They could also deposit the funds in any initiative that they launch in the future in her name.
PURPOSE: We've known Malala for years, and we adore her. But we fear that the world's attention to her story may fade over time. So the purpose of this fund is to leverage support for the family during this urgent time while the world is captivated by her story. We fear that if her story fades over time, the family could be left, years or decades later, with a strained future.
Check out this 2009 documentary by Adam B. Ellick profiling Malala Yousafzai...as I watch this I am filled with positivity that this world has been blessed with such an incredible young women, but my heart also aches deeply as she sheds tears in this documentary.
Stand up for girls' education with us,
Tribe Scribe