OCTOBER KID-O: Malala Yousafzai. Today is the UN’s International Day of the Girl, so let’s celebrate our daughters and all of the privileges they have being born in the United States of America. I took my daughter to see a powerful movie last night about the importance of educating the world’s girls. The movie is called Girls Rising and if it comes to a theater in your area, take your daughter. If it’s not scheduled, ask your school or community to host the film. Or, consider hosting a screening yourself?! It was directed by Academy Award nominee, Richard Robbins, and narrated by some of Hollywood’s favorite ladies. In the film, you will meet a 9 incredible girls whose life stories are captured by celebrated writers from their own country. Their lives are forever changed because of their ability to go to school. It is motivational, inspirational and empowering…educating the world’s girls will literally help to end poverty, prevent disease and reduce violence. Personally speaking, it will give you at least a week of an appreciative child(ren) who won’t roll their eyes at you or complain about getting up for school in the morning?! My 14 year old daughter realized how lucky she was to born in a country that provides education to our nation’s children – all of them, regardless of their gender, race, religion or special needs. It was an important educational MOMent on many levels. Click HERE to see the trailer.
So, if you haven’t heard of the incredible 16 year old young woman, Malala Yousafzai, we are so excited to introduce her to you. Malala was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize this year. The youngest nominee ever. Why? Malala is a “girl rising” to greatness. She is a fierce champion for educating girls. She lives in the SWAT valley in Pakistan and the Taliban took over her region in 2004 and tried to assassinate her last week because of the power of her small voice. She bravely spoke out against the Taliban and in support of girls’ rights. Gun men stopped her school bus and opened fire on her. Amazingly, Malala survived the attack. Clearly, she has more work to do and her voice is grown loud. Click HERE to read her blog. Today, she is both physically and emotionally a force for real change and an inspiration to girls all over the world. The world’s MAMAS are very proud of this KID-O.
Watch Jon Stewart’s charming interview with her:
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