Malala’s 19th birthday is for girls — #YesAllGirls
The United Nations declared July 12th, 2013 — Malala’s 16th birthday — as “Malala Day.” But Malala was quick to remind the world that her greatest wish was for the spotlight to shine on those who need it most.
“Malala Day is not my day,” Malala said in her first public speech since being attacked by the Taliban. Instead, she promised to use her voice to fight for education for all girls — #YesAllGirls — everywhere.
Yes, we mean all girls — whether they are girls denied their right to education by poverty or discrimination, girls who fear gender-based violence, girls forced to marry young or girls living in war zones and refugee camps.
That is why Malala spends her birthday each year traveling around the world where girls are facing the greatest barriers to education.
In 2014, Malala spoke with girls under the threat of violence in Nigeria. She visited with the families of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls and met with President Goodluck Jonathan to demand his government do more to rescue them.
Last year on her 18th birthday, Malala stood in solidarity with Syrian refugee girls forced out of school by conflict in their home country. She opened a school for 200 adolescent refugee girls living in Lebanon.
This Tuesday in honour of Malala Day — Malala will visit with girls around the world to highlight that while #YesAllGirls are unique, they all deserve 12 years of safe, quality education.
Commit to say #YesAllGirls ahead of Malala Day because you believe that #YesAllGirls have a voice. #YesAllGirls have a right to learn.
By signing up, you are also making a promise — just as Malala promised four years ago — to hear girls’ stories, to learn about the obstacles preventing them from achieving their dreams and to raise your voice to fight for every girl. #YesAllGirls
