Top 12 Most Inspiring Malala Yousafzai Quotes
At only 19 years of age, Malala Yousafzai has become not only one of the world's most admired and inspiring teenagers, but one of the world's most forceful advocates for the education of girls as well.
Malala was an activist from an early age. She first rose to prominence in her native Pakistan after writing a blog post for the BBC Urdu, in which she detailed her life in the Taliban-occupied region in the northwest of the country. In her heartfelt letter, Malala spoke out strongly against the Talibans' ban on girls attending school. Her post was published under a pseudonym, but her identity was eventually revealed as she became an increasingly vocal champion in her country of girls' right to education.
In 2012, a Taliban gunman boarded Malala's school bus and shot the teenager in the head. But miraculously, she survived the assassination attempt. Her recovery was broadcast by media around the world, and by the time she was released from the hospital in January 2013, Malala's story had gone global. Rather than be cowed by her brush with death, the brave 15 year-old immediately stepped up her campaigning. Her 2013 memoir, I am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban, became an international bestseller, and helped launch a worldwide movement in favour of girls' right to education. At only 17, Malala became the youngest ever recipient of a Nobel Peace Prize, and she was named one of TIME's most influential people for three years running, in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Malala's fearlessness and resilience in the face of terror and extremism have made her an inspiration to countless girls and feminists around the world. So in honor of International Women's Day, here are the Top 12 most inspiring Malala Yousafzai quotes.
Top 12 Most Inspiring Malala Yousafzai Quotes
Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher, can change the world.
I raise up my voice -- not so I can shout but so that those without a voice can be heard... We cannot succeed when half of us are held back.
If one man can destroy everything, why can't one girl change it?
We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.
I tell my story, not because it is unique, but because it is not. It is the story of many girls.
When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.
Kindness can only be repaid with kindness. It can’t be repaid with expressions like ‘thank you’ and then forgotten.
Our men think earning money and ordering around others is where power lies. They don't think power is in the hands of the woman who takes care of everyone all day long, and gives birth to their children.
With guns you can kill terrorists, with education you can kill terrorism.
Education is neither eastern nor western. Education is education and it's the right of every human being.
Though we loved school, we hadn't realized how important education was until the Taliban tried to stop us. Going to school, reading and doing our homework wasn't just a way of passing time, it was our future.
Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow's reality.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.