In 2014, who became the youngest person to win a Nobel Peace Prize?
And the answer: Malala Yousafzai.
At the age of 17, Malala Yousafzai became the youngest person to win a Nobel Prize. The 2014 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded jointly to Malala and Kailash Satyarthi, who is a children's rights activist from India.
When Malala was just 10 years old, she already spoke 3 languages: Pahsto, Urdo and English. With encouragement from her father, Malala chose to take her talents somewhere that would make a difference, and thus became involved in civil rights around the same time. Yet, in 2007, everything changed for the young activist. The Taliban fundamentalist army took over her hometown in Pakistan, consequently banning cultural activities such as dancing and watching television. The army decreed that women could no longer attend school, and threatened the life of anyone who said otherwise.
Miraculously, Malala didn't hide. Instead, she took a step forward, and began giving speeches in social forums defending the right to education for all. By advocating for women's rights in programs across the nation, Malala became a public figure in the area. However, that also garnered the attention of members of the Taliban. In 2012, Malala was on the way to school when her bus was stopped and boarded by members of the Taliban army. The aggressors shot Malala three times, including one in the head. As Malala was airlifted to a hospital, protestors began to flock to the streets in outrage. The news of her courage and her example grew into an international movement, and the young activist was invited to speak before the United Nations in 2013. In 2014, Malala received the ultimate honor for her work: the Nobel Peace Prize. She continues to raise funds and awareness for education inequities across the world today.
Learn more about the legendary Malala here.
