Girls reflect on Malala’s Messenger of Peace Award
Before kicking off her Girl Power Trip, Malala stopped at the United Nations to receive the UN Messenger of Peace designation — the youngest recipient ever — from UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Following the official presentation, Malala and the Secretary-General fielded questions from an audience of hundreds of girls about education, refugees and feminism.
Malala spoke about education as a powerful force for change. She called on young people to believe in themselves and become change-makers in their communities saying, “If you want to see your future bright, you have to start working now [and] not wait for anyone else.”
The audience included hundreds of girls — including immigrants, refugees and young education activists — that Malala Fund invited from New York City and the surrounding area. Five of the girls shared with us their reflections about the event.
Zafirah, a freshman at the Young Women’s Leadership School in Astoria, called Malala her inspiration: “It was truly an honor to be in the room when Malala was appointed as the Messenger of Peace. There were so many emotions running through me — but the most prominent was pride. I felt proud that Malala, a phenomenal young woman who works diligently for girls’ education, is the youngest Messenger of Peace. Being that I am both Muslim and a young female, Malala is an inspiration to me every day.”
Ria, a senior at the all-girls Hewitt School and the NYC Coalition Director for Girl Up, asked Malala about the relationship between Islam and feminism: “I was very excited to ask Malala a question. I asked what are the misconceptions people have about the relationship between Islam and feminism. Malala noted that people often look at a few terrorists and see them as the face of Islam. She said that instead, it is important to look at her and ‘the Muslims who are living in peace and believe in peace.’ She said that Muslims should come together to show that they believe in equality and feminism.”
Nyma, a senior at Union Square Academy for Health Sciences, said the day was “a dream come true experience” and she looks forward to seeing what Malala accomplishes next: “I remember sending her a letter asking how was she able to stand up for girls’ education at the risk of her life. And I remember writing for her fast recovery as she was in the hospital and hoping she would wake up soon. After only seeing her on television, it was such a huge honor to see her speak in person. It is very inspiring and reassuring to see such a great person receive such a great honor.”
Betsy, also a senior at Union Square Academy and a member of her school’s Girls Helping Girls club, was excited to see a young woman be recognised by the UN: “Watching Malala receive such a honor at only 19 years-old really inspired me. We always hear about adults receiving important awards, yet rarely see someone who is a young adult. I felt very empowered as a female to see her achieve this right before my eyes.”
Windila, a student at the International Community High School, said Malala inspires her to be fearless: “Malala’s designation as Messenger of Peace was an important day not only for me but for all the women who need help to access an education. It was a really inspirational moment because we have someone to look up to. Malala makes us believe that we can reach anything that we want in life. It was for me a time of enlightenment — I told myself, we all want the same change, we all can get it and no fear can stop us.”
