Malala

Malala Yousafzai

If I ever feel as though I can't write or say what I want to, then here's a sobering thought: a few days ago, 14 year old Malala from Pakistan was shot in the head and neck by the Taliban whilst on her way to school. Her crime? For speaking out on rights for children, particularly that girls should be granted an education.  When Malala was just 11 years old, she wrote an anonymous blog documenting her experiences of life under the Taliban and just last year was nominated for the International Children's peace prize.

Malala knew that her life was in danger and the Taliban have issued a statement that if she survives this attack, there will be another assassination attempt. What child should have to fight for the right for an education? In cosy suburban London, my own children have every opportunity available to them and it's easy to sink into the comfortable notion that this is 'life'. But not so for far too many. Malala is in a stable but critical condition in hospital and if she pulls through, her voice and her courage are needed more than ever.