Pakistani educator Ziauddin Yousafzai reminds the world of a simple truth that many don’t want to hear: Women and men deserve equal opportunities for education, autonomy, an independent identity. In this TED talk, Yousafzai tells stories from his own life and the life of his daughter, Malala, who was shot in the head at point blank range by the Taliban in 2012 simply for daring to go to school. Yousafzai encourages those living in patriarchal societies to break a few norms to abolish discriminatory laws. In his school, girls unlearn the lesson of obedience and boys unlearn the lesson of honor. "Why is my daughter so strong?” Yousafzai asks. “Because I did not clip her wings."

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  • Kathy Brickey

    Ziauddin Yousafzai is a true revolutionary! He does so much to break down stereotypes of what it means to be a man in a Muslim society. His wife showed true wisdom in her counsel and reassurance at their daughter's bedside in the hospital. These parents are heroes.

  • Heather

    Besides the passionate work she and her family have done for children's and women's rights, the part that speaks to me the most is the incredible love and respect a father has for his daughter. Beautiful.

  • Lila

    I am convinced that Malala's mother in spite of the fact that she does not come to the fore front of this story has Always been the rock on which it was built. Even in patriacial socieities the strong woman can stand her grond inside a family especially if she has the support of a strong, balanced partner. I wonder what kind of mother the father had that she managed to form such a son!

  • K Leggett

    In response to Elizabeth Marriott, Malala's mother is seen and heard in the new documentary "He Named Me Malala." Malala also writes quite lovingly of her mother in her own book, I Am Malala. She is also learning to read and speak English now that the family is living in England. My impression is that she has been a quiet strength who stays out of the limelight. (I had the pleasure of writing a picture book biography of Malala - Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words, published by StarWalk Kids Media.

  • Cindy

    Not just this man, but his wife and other children,, esp Malala herself, had the courage to buck the system. Though there are many unjust "systems" in our world, this story gives me hope that one of them will be fixed ... But only if we all stand up and support them. Thankyou thankyou to this whole incredible family.

  • Elizabeth Marriott

    I am inspired by how Malala and her father are standing up for the education of girls and women. But I can't help but wonder why Malala's other is never herd from about this, what they are doing to free her from the female silencing of their culture. I wonder where her mother is every time I see or hear about Malala and her father. She is not just his daughter.

  • Kristin Pedemonti

    Thank you Zlauddin for having the love and courage to encourage your daughter's gifts and to love her so much as to allow her to fly. She is a hero to so many of us! And you are too!

  • Carolyn Bivens

    What a courageous man who passed along that courage to his daughter; an inspirational duo.

  • Sudehpa

    " We can't change the world if only we can change ourselves. It need a lots of courage, wisdom and deep understanding to act. A true courage of the daughter Malala and a father with the wisdom and loving heart"

  • Philo

    Hats off to you Ziauddin for giving the such a wonderful visionary girl to the world.

  • mindy

    Bravery with a kind heart and loving encouragement...the father speaks with such poise and pride about his beautiful wise daughter. Not to clip wings is such a gift to ALL the world. Blessings to those who continue to face such challenges.

  • Sheila

    The courage of this man, his wife and daughter

  • Sis Asha

    Truly Inspiring. All our brothers, please speak up for all your sisters, daughters and Mothers and all the women and children in this world.

  • Tom

    Her courage😊

  • Page 1

  • Learn more about Malala Yousafzai in this portrait by the BBC, for whom she wrote an anonymous dairy starting when she was 11 years old.
  • The Malala Fund empowers girls to achieve their potential and inspire positive change in their communities through quality secondary education.
  • Empower a child in your life to reach their full potential by not clipping their wings.

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