Malala Yousafzai (you-sahf-ZIGH), a Pakistani citizen, living in England, delivered a powerful, nearly an hour-long speech to the Canadian Parliament. Four of the many major points of her speech included:

One: Malala thanked them for granting her honorary Canadian citizenship to their “nation of heroes”.  She explained, “Your motto and your stand, ‘Welcome to Canada,’ is more than a headline or a hashtag. It is the spirit of humanity that every single one of us would yearn for, if our family was in crisis.” 

Justin Trudeau, Canada’s prime minister, presented Malala with the certificate and a Canadian flag. He explained, “For bravely lending your voice to so many, we thank you.” Although Malala was granted the honor at age 17, the ceremony was postponed until this meeting, due to an unrelated shooting on Parliament Hill.

Two: Malala asked the Canadian government to “lead once again” on global education and women’s rights. Malala firmly believes that every human being, even girls and refugees, have the right to be educated for at least 12 years. Malala explained, “If Canada leads, I know the world will follow.”

Three: Malala explained, “I used to think I had to wait to be an adult to lead. But I’ve learned that even a child’s voice can be heard around the world…Young women of Canada, step forward and raise your voices… Men of Canada, be proud feminists. And help women get equal opportunities as men…Secondary education for girls can transform communities, countries and our world…”

Four:  “We have a responsibility to improve our world.”

Malala’s entire speech may be read at:
www.Malala.org
(Canada: April 12, 2017)