It's Malala Day

I've already posted my responses to the shooting of Malala Yousafzai and threats made to the life of Hina Khan by the Pakistani Taliban.  The plight of these young campaigners for the right of girls to access education has received global attention and I now learn that today has been designated as Malala Day.  You can read a really enlightening article on the importance of this from the perspective of a British woman of Pakistani heritage here.

Malala Yousafzai, (Photo: University Hospitals, Birmingham).

There is an online petition for Malala to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize which you can sign here.  Today would seem be the obvious time to do it and, regardless of what you think of such awards, it's a chance for people of all cultures to stand up to the bullies.

Hina Khan, (Photo: Unknown).

It occurs to me that, aside from the important issues around them,  this is all far more than any schoolgirl should have to cope with.  I guess I've been engaged by the whole thing because, every day, I go to work and see girls of many different backgrounds just getting on with their studies and being cheerfully crazy with their friends.  Here's hoping Malala can find time and space to focus on her own recovery and, before long, she and Hina, (and indeed any fellow campaigners whose names I don't know), might just get on with all the stuff other teenage girls enjoy.

Take Good Care Hina Khan

I recently put my head above the parapet to comment on the shooting by the Pakistani Taliban of schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai.  I've never wanted this blog to become a polemic for any particular point of view but sometimes you have to speak out, if only to maintain your own sanity.

Hina Khan, 14  (Image: Aljazeera)

For that reason, it's only fair to mention the ordeal of Hina Khan, - Malala's fellow teenage campaigner for female education.  Recent news reports indicate that she is now effectively a prisoner in her own home after threats by the same fanatical psychopaths.  This has included having a red X painted on the gates of her home.

The Gates Of Hina Khan's Home (Image: Al Jazeera)

This is not about criticising anyone else's culture or faith.  If you must follow a deity, it's none of my business.  I'm also aware that many people around the World feel indignation at the hypocrisy of the West.  Unfortunately, bullying is something else altogether.  Billions of people of all faiths and nationalities prove it's perfectly possible to praise their chosen God without threatening or attempting to murder schoolgirls.

Hina Khan With Her Mother (Photo: The Times/Robin Pagnamenta)

To the cowards behind these actions, - you only bring disgrace on yourself.  If there are valid reasons for denying girls the right to learn, then prove it through reasoned debate.  Until then,   these girls are braver than you'll ever be.