Malala Yousafzai: Taliban Thought ‘Bullet Would Silence Us, They Failed’

In a new interview with Diane Sawyer, the brave Pakistani girl spoke out about her empowering message about young women's education, one year after she survived being shot in the face by a member of the Taliban for her outspoken opinions. Malala Yousafzai, 16, defied death when she survived being shot by members of the Taliban. Instead of living her life in fear, the empowering teen fought back against fear. In an Oct. 10 interview with Diane Sawyer, Malala shared how she would react if she were confronted by an attacker again.

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Reading Time: 2 minute
October 11, 2013 4:04PM EDT
Malala Yousafzai Diane Sawyer Interview
Image Credit: Courtesy of ABC

Malala Yousafzai Diane Sawyer Interview — ‘People Can Fight Fear’

When Malala was 15 years old, she was shot while riding a school bus on Oct. 9, 2012. Two men stopped her bus, and asked which girl was Malala before shooting her three times at a point-blank range.

Malala’s father was also targeted by the Taliban because of his outspoken messages about educating girls. Malala explained that she feared what would happen to her family. “At night when I used to sleep, I was thinking all the time that shall I put a knife under my pillow,” Malala told Diane Sawyer. “The time was of fear, but some people can overcome fear and some people can fight fear.”

Instead of succumbing to her fear, Malala decided to write a diary to “send a message to the world,” reported Diane Sawyer. “All over the world, education is important. Raise up your voice for education,” Mala told Sawyer.  

A year after defying death and surviving the shooting, Malala has become even more outspoken about her beliefs, and she would even extend her message of education’s importance if she were faced with an attacker again. “It was always my desire before the attack that if a man comes … I would tell that man that education is very important,” Malala told Sawyer. “I will tell that man that I even want education for your daughter.”

“I thought that words and books and pens are more powerful than guns,” Malala shared to clarify her shocking statement.

“They thought that the bullet would silence us, but they failed,” Malala said.

Malala Youszafzai: Not Granted Nobel Peace Prize

Malala speaks with such grace and confidence that her words are empowering. Though she was a favorite as a contender for the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize, she did not receive the prize. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapon was granted the Peace Prize — but it won’t stop Malala’s inspiring mission to stand up for kids’ right to education.

What do YOU think, HollywoodLifers? Are you inspired by Malala’s courage?

WATCH: Malala Yousafzai Opens Up To Diane Sawyer

— Kristine Hope Kowalski

More Malala Yousafzai News:

  1. Selena Gomez’s Idol Is Malala Yousufzai, Nobel Peace Prize Nominee
  2. Taliban Activist’s Letter To Malala Yousafzai: Here’s Why We Shot You
  3. Beyonce Posts Heartwarming Message For Malala Yousafzai’s 16th Birthday