My Daughter, Malala | Ziauddin Yousafzai | TED Talks
Summary
TLDRIn this powerful speech, the father of Malala Yousafzai reflects on the patriarchal norms that oppress women and girls, detailing the injustices they face from birth. He proudly shares his own journey of supporting his daughter's education and activism, which led to her international recognition and the family's struggle against the Taliban. He emphasizes the importance of challenging societal norms and discriminatory laws to empower women and break the cycle of oppression.
Takeaways
- đšâđ§ The speaker, Malala's father, takes pride in being known by his daughter, highlighting the importance of her achievements and challenging traditional patriarchal norms.
- đ Malala Yousafzai began advocating for education and women's rights at a young age, gaining national and international recognition for her courage and activism.
- đ Education is a pivotal theme in the script, with the speaker emphasizing its transformative power and the significance of enrolling his daughter in school despite societal constraints.
- đ« The script describes the harsh realities faced by girls in patriarchal societies, where they are often denied basic rights, including education and freedom of movement.
- đ The emotional toll of societal expectations is evident, as the speaker recounts the sadness and guilt associated with the birth of daughters and the pressure to conform to traditional gender roles.
- đ The concept of 'honor' is critiqued as a restrictive and harmful social construct that controls the lives of both women and men within patriarchal families.
- đ The speaker calls for a global shift in mindset, urging men and women in tribal and patriarchal societies to challenge discriminatory norms and laws that oppress women.
- đ Malala's story is used as an example of how one person's courage can inspire change, despite the risks and the fear imposed by oppressive regimes like the Taliban.
- đ€ The importance of supporting and encouraging daughters to be strong, vocal, and independent is highlighted, as well as the role of fathers in challenging and changing societal norms.
- đ The script concludes with a message of resilience and the power of education to empower individuals, as exemplified by Malala's continued activism and her family's unwavering support.
Q & A
What was Malala's father's initial reaction to her birth?
-Initially, Malala's father admits he did not like newborn children, but when he looked into Malala's eyes, he felt extremely honored.
Why did Malala's father name her 'Malala'?
-Malala's father named her after Malalai of Maiwand, a heroic, legendary freedom fighter in Afghanistan, whom he admired.
What was the significance of Malala's enrollment in school according to her father?
-Enrollment in school was a significant event in Malala's life because it represented the recognition of her identity and her name, and it marked her entry into a world of dreams and aspirations.
How did Malala's father's upbringing differ from the traditional norms of patriarchal societies?
-Malala's father encouraged her intelligence and brilliance, allowed her to sit with him when his friends visited, and took her to different meetings, instilling in her values that went against the traditional lessons of obedience and honor.
What was the impact of Talibanization on women's rights in the region where Malala lived?
-Talibanization led to a complete negation of women's participation in political, economic, and social activities, the closure of hundreds of schools, prohibition of girls' education, forced veiling of women, and severe restrictions on their movements and freedoms.
How did Malala respond to the restrictions imposed by the Taliban?
-Malala stood for the right to education, wrote a diary for the BBC, volunteered for the New York Times documentaries, and spoke from every platform she could, becoming a powerful voice against the Taliban's restrictions.
What was the reaction of Malala's father when she was shot by the Taliban?
-Malala's father experienced a doomsday feeling, with the world turning into a big black hole for him and his family. He questioned whether he should be blamed for what happened to Malala.
How did Malala's mother support the family during her hospitalization?
-Malala's mother consoled her husband by telling him not to blame himself, affirming that they stood for the right cause and that God would protect Malala.
What did Malala's father mean when he said he did not clip her wings?
-By saying he did not clip her wings, Malala's father meant that he allowed her the freedom to express herself, pursue her education, and advocate for her rights without hindrance.
How does Malala's father describe her resilience during her recovery?
-Despite the severe pain and challenges she faced, Malala never complained and reassured her family that she would be okay, showing great resilience.
Outlines
đšâđ§ Patriarchal Society and Malala's Fame
The speaker, Malala's father, discusses the societal norms in patriarchal and tribal societies where daughters are often not celebrated. He contrasts this with his own pride in being known as Malala's father. Malala began advocating for education and women's rights at a young age, and her recognition with the National Youth Peace Prize in 2011 brought her fame. The speaker reflects on the historical injustices and restrictions faced by women, such as lack of celebration at birth, limited freedom, and forced seclusion as they grow older. He also touches on the impact of these norms on both female and male family members, illustrating the burden placed on men to uphold 'honor' and provide for their sisters.
đ Education as a Path to Change
The speaker emphasizes the importance of education in breaking the cycle of oppression and changing societal norms. He shares his personal journey of valuing his daughter's education and compares it to the experiences of his sisters who were denied the same opportunity. He recounts how he named his daughter Malala after a legendary Afghan freedom fighter, symbolizing his hopes for her future. The admission of girls to school in patriarchal societies is highlighted as a significant step towards recognizing their identity and potential. The speaker's commitment to education as a tool for emancipation is evident in his efforts to teach his students to challenge traditional norms and expectations.
đ The Impact of Talibanization on Women's Rights
The speaker describes the rise of the Taliban and its devastating effects on women's rights, including the prohibition of girls' education and the enforcement of strict dress codes. He recounts the fear and suffering that ensued, with many silenced or punished for speaking out. Despite the risks, Malala continued to advocate for education, using various platforms to amplify her message. The speaker recounts the traumatic event when Malala was shot by the Taliban, expressing the profound impact it had on his family. He shares the resilience and courage Malala displayed during her recovery, which served as an inspiration to him and others.
đŠ Resilience and the Power of Support
The speaker reflects on the strength and resilience shown by Malala during her recovery, noting how she provided comfort to her family despite her own struggles. He highlights the normalcy of Malala's life outside her role as an activist, emphasizing her relatability. The speaker is asked about his mentorship and the factors that contributed to Malala's courage and outspokenness. He responds by stating that he did not clip her wings, allowing her the freedom to grow and express herself. The narrative concludes with a message of empowerment and the importance of supporting the next generation.
Mindmap
Keywords
đĄPatriarchal societies
đĄInjustice
đĄEducation
đĄHonor
đĄObedience
đĄTalibanization
đĄEmancipation
đĄResilience
đĄDiscrimination
đĄFreedom fighter
đĄHuman rights
Highlights
Fathers in patriarchal societies are known by their sons, but the speaker is proud to be known by his daughter.
Malala Yousafzai began advocating for education and her rights in 2007.
In 2011, Malala received the National Youth Peace Prize, gaining national fame.
The speaker's identity shifted from being Malala's father to being known as her father.
The history of women is marked by injustice, inequality, and exploitation.
In patriarchal societies, the birth of a girl is often met with sadness and discomfort.
Girls are expected to be quiet, humble, and submissive, with limited freedom as they grow older.
The concept of 'honor' in patriarchal societies restricts girls' lives and can lead to violence.
The brother's responsibility for his sisters' well-being can lead to personal sacrifices and limited opportunities.
The speaker named his daughter Malala after a legendary Afghan freedom fighter, Malalai of Maiwand.
Enrolling a girl in school in patriarchal societies is a significant event, signifying recognition of her identity.
The speaker's five sisters never went to school, highlighting the importance of Malala's education.
The speaker encouraged Malala's intelligence and involvement in discussions with his friends and in meetings.
Education was used as a tool for emancipation, teaching students to challenge traditional norms.
The Taliban's rise led to severe restrictions on women's rights, including banning girls from schools.
At age 10, Malala stood up for the right to education, writing for the BBC and appearing in documentaries.
Malala was shot by the Taliban in 2012, an event that deeply affected her family.
Despite her global advocacy, Malala remains a typical teenager with everyday concerns.
The speaker's mentorship allowed Malala to flourish by not clipping her wings.
Transcripts
In many patriarchal societies and tribal societies,
fathers are usually known by their sons,
but I'm one of the few fathers
who is known by his daughter,
and I am proud of it.
(Applause)
Malala started her campaign for education
and stood for her rights in 2007,
and when her efforts were honored in 2011,
and she was given the national youth peace prize,
and she became a very famous,
very popular young girl of her country.
Before that, she was my daughter,
but now I am her father.
Ladies and gentlemen,
if we glance to human history,
the story of women
is the story of injustice,
inequality,
violence and exploitation.
You see,
in patriarchal societies,
right from the very beginning,
when a girl is born,
her birth is not celebrated.
She is not welcomed,
neither by father nor by mother.
The neighborhood comes
and commiserates with the mother,
and nobody congratulates the father.
And a mother is very uncomfortable
for having a girl child.
When she gives birth to the first girl child,
first daughter, she is sad.
When she gives birth to the second daughter,
she is shocked,
and in the expectation of a son,
when she gives birth to a third daughter,
she feels guilty like a criminal.
Not only the mother suffers,
but the daughter, the newly born daughter,
when she grows old,
she suffers too.
At the age of five,
while she should be going to school,
she stays at home
and her brothers are admitted in a school.
Until the age of 12, somehow,
she has a good life.
She can have fun.
She can play with her friends in the streets,
and she can move around in the streets
like a butterfly.
But when she enters her teens,
when she becomes 13 years old,
she is forbidden to go out of her home
without a male escort.
She is confined under the four walls of her home.
She is no more a free individual.
She becomes the so-called honor
of her father and of her brothers
and of her family,
and if she transgresses
the code of that so-called honor,
she could even be killed.
And it is also interesting that this so-called
code of honor,
it does not only affect the life of a girl,
it also affects the life
of the male members of the family.
I know a family of seven sisters and one brother,
and that one brother,
he has migrated to the Gulf countries,
to earn a living for his seven sisters
and parents,
because he thinks that it will be humiliating
if his seven sisters learn a skill
and they go out of the home
and earn some livelihood.
So this brother,
he sacrifices the joys of his life
and the happiness of his sisters
at the altar of so-called honor.
And there is one more norm
of the patriarchal societies
that is called obedience.
A good girl is supposed to be
very quiet, very humble
and very submissive.
It is the criteria.
The role model good girl should be very quiet.
She is supposed to be silent
and she is supposed to accept the decisions
of her father and mother
and the decisions of elders,
even if she does not like them.
If she is married to a man she doesn't like
or if she is married to an old man,
she has to accept,
because she does not want to be dubbed
as disobedient.
If she is married very early,
she has to accept.
Otherwise, she will be called disobedient.
And what happens at the end?
In the words of a poetess,
she is wedded, bedded,
and then she gives birth to more sons and daughters.
And it is the irony of the situation
that this mother,
she teaches the same lesson of obedience
to her daughter
and the same lesson of honor to her sons.
And this vicious cycle goes on, goes on.
Ladies and gentlemen,
this plight of millions of women
could be changed
if we think differently,
if women and men think differently,
if men and women in the tribal and patriarchal societies
in the developing countries,
if they can break a few norms
of family and society,
if they can abolish the discriminatory laws
of the systems in their states,
which go against the basic human rights
of the women.
Dear brothers and sisters, when Malala was born,
and for the first time,
believe me,
I don't like newborn children, to be honest,
but when I went and I looked into her eyes,
believe me,
I got extremely honored.
And long before she was born,
I thought about her name,
and I was fascinated with a heroic
legendary freedom fighter in Afghanistan.
Her name was Malalai of Maiwand,
and I named my daughter after her.
A few days after Malala was born,
my daughter was born,
my cousin came --
and it was a coincidence --
he came to my home
and he brought a family tree,
a family tree of the Yousafzai family,
and when I looked at the family tree,
it traced back to 300 years of our ancestors.
But when I looked, all were men,
and I picked my pen,
drew a line from my name,
and wrote, "Malala."
And when she grow old,
when she was four and a half years old,
I admitted her in my school.
You will be asking, then, why should I mention about
the admission of a girl in a school?
Yes, I must mention it.
It may be taken for granted in Canada,
in America, in many developed countries,
but in poor countries,
in patriarchal societies, in tribal societies,
it's a big event for the life of girl.
Enrollment in a school means
recognition of her identity and her name.
Admission in a school means
that she has entered the world of dreams
and aspirations
where she can explore her potentials
for her future life.
I have five sisters,
and none of them could go to school,
and you will be astonished,
two weeks before,
when I was filling out the Canadian visa form,
and I was filling out the family part of the form,
I could not recall
the surnames of some of my sisters.
And the reason was
that I have never, never seen the names
of my sisters written on any document.
That was the reason that
I valued my daughter.
What my father could not give to my sisters
and to his daughters,
I thought I must change it.
I used to appreciate the intelligence
and the brilliance of my daughter.
I encouraged her to sit with me
when my friends used to come.
I encouraged her to go with me to different meetings.
And all these good values,
I tried to inculcate in her personality.
And this was not only she, only Malala.
I imparted all these good values
to my school, girl students and boy students as well.
I used education for emancipation.
I taught my girls,
I taught my girl students,
to unlearn the lesson of obedience.
I taught my boy students
to unlearn the lesson of so-called pseudo-honor.
Dear brothers and sisters,
we were striving for more rights for women,
and we were struggling to have more,
more and more space for the women in society.
But we came across a new phenomenon.
It was lethal to human rights
and particularly to women's rights.
It was called Talibanization.
It means a complete negation
of women's participation
in all political, economical and social activities.
Hundreds of schools were lost.
Girls were prohibited from going to school.
Women were forced to wear veils
and they were stopped from going to the markets.
Musicians were silenced,
girls were flogged
and singers were killed.
Millions were suffering,
but few spoke,
and it was the most scary thing
when you have all around such people
who kill and who flog,
and you speak for your rights.
It's really the most scary thing.
At the age of 10,
Malala stood, and she stood for the right
of education.
She wrote a diary for the BBC blog,
she volunteered herself
for the New York Times documentaries,
and she spoke from every platform she could.
And her voice was the most powerful voice.
It spread like a crescendo all around the world.
And that was the reason the Taliban
could not tolerate her campaign,
and on October 9 2012,
she was shot in the head at point blank range.
It was a doomsday for my family and for me.
The world turned into a big black hole.
While my daughter was
on the verge of life and death,
I whispered into the ears of my wife,
"Should I be blamed for what happened
to my daughter and your daughter?"
And she abruptly told me,
"Please don't blame yourself.
You stood for the right cause.
You put your life at stake
for the cause of truth,
for the cause of peace,
and for the cause of education,
and your daughter in inspired from you
and she joined you.
You both were on the right path
and God will protect her."
These few words meant a lot to me,
and I didn't ask this question again.
When Malala was in the hospital,
and she was going through the severe pains
and she had had severe headaches
because her facial nerve was cut down,
I used to see a dark shadow
spreading on the face of my wife.
But my daughter never complained.
She used to tell us,
"I'm fine with my crooked smile
and with my numbness in my face.
I'll be okay. Please don't worry."
She was a solace for us,
and she consoled us.
Dear brothers and sisters,
we learned from her how to be resilient
in the most difficult times,
and I'm glad to share with you
that despite being an icon
for the rights of children and women,
she is like any 16-year old girl.
She cries when her homework is incomplete.
She quarrels with her brothers,
and I am very happy for that.
People ask me,
what special is in my mentorship
which has made Malala so bold
and so courageous and so vocal and poised?
I tell them, don't ask me what I did.
Ask me what I did not do.
I did not clip her wings, and that's all.
Thank you very much.
(Applause)
Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. (Applause)
Voir Plus de Vidéos Connexes
Malala Yousafzai addresses United Nations Youth Assembly
Malala Yousafzai for Kids | Bedtime History
Patriarchy and Its Pillars: How We Can Crumble the System | Kudrat Chaudhary | TEDxTufts
Being famous is like being a woman: musings on a haircut
Speech on Women Empowerment for Students | ANNAPURANA RAMAKRISHNAN
ASISC Zonal Level Declamation Competition 2022-23
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)