A Symbol of Hope: Malala Yousafzai Wins Nobel Peace Prize

In a world where wars rage and oppression flourishes, one young woman stands out as a symbol of peace: Malala Yousafzai. At just 17-years-old, Malala has been awarded the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize, an accolade to be shared with Indian human rights activist Kailash Satyarthi. 

Almost two years ago she was shot by The Taliban—on October 9th, 2012, then-15-year-old Malala was left for dead by her attackers. She had been shot in the head on her way home from school in Pakistan.

Malala was targeted by The Taliban for promoting education for girls, and that's the very reason she's been recognized with this global humanitarian award.

"The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2014 is to be awarded to Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education," a statement from the Committee says.

"Despite her youth, Malala Yousafzai has already fought for several years for the right of girls to education, and has shown by example that children and young people, too, can contribute to improving their own situations," the Nobel Committee continued. "This she has done under the most dangerous circumstances. Through her heroic struggle she has become a leading spokesperson for girls’ rights to education."

Kalish Satyarthi, more than 40 years Malala's senior, once had a career as an electrical engineer, a profession he decided to abandon for the greater cause of helping millions of Indian children who are forced into slave labor. He is the leader of the Global March Against Child Labor, an organization representing 2000 social welfare groups and trade unions in 140 countries.

Today, there are about 168 million child laborers worldwide.

"Showing great personal courage, Kailash Satyarthi, maintaining Gandhi’s tradition, has headed various forms of protests and demonstrations, all peaceful, focusing on the grave exploitation of children for financial gain," the Nobel Committee said in a statement. "He has also contributed to the development of important international conventions on children’s rights."

Joining The Takeaway to discuss the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize is Syed Irfan Ashraf. He worked in the Swat Valley and produced "Class Dismissed," a documentary focusing on the story and work of Malala.

Check out a video of Malala's speech at the United Nations below.