Thankful for Education: International Day of the Girl and "He Named Me Malala"

It is Thanksgiving time here in Canada and like most people my family and I take the time to pause and consider all of the things we are grateful for this weekend. I for one have many things I can name to be thankful for, but the thing that is resonating with my most today, what I’m most grateful for is education.

You see, today, October 11^th is International Day of the Girl. A day where the international community brings attention to gender justice issues around the world. It seems fitting then that the new documentary “He Named Me Malala” was released in theaters this weekend. The documentary follows the incredible story of Malala Yousafzai, who, at age 15, was shot in the head for daring to speak up and get an education.

She was shot.

In the head.

For speaking up about girls’ rights to education.

Malala lived in a world where some people don’t believe that girls and women should be educated. That they aren’t worth it. Her story of determination and passion for learning, the fight she embraced on behalf of her gender and the support of her amazing father left me stunned in the theater.

I’m lucky. I was born in Canada. I grew up in a family where education was valued. I was always encouraged to do my best and strive for excellence. Education was a given. It was never something I considered a luxury. I liked learning as a child. I fell in love with learning and education as a young adult. I earned two university degrees and have dedicated my professional career to helping other students to do their best, strive for excellence and hopefully fall in love with learning.

I have opportunities many people don’t have. I’ve been given the opportunity to travel, to find inspiration, to use my voice and follow my passions without fear of reprisal.

But in countless places around the world and for innumerable girls, this is not their reality.  For these girls, education is not a right, it’s a dangerous quest. One that could cost them everything.  

Malala was shot.

In the head.

For speaking up about girls’ rights to education.

Malala is one girl, she has one voice and she is changing the world. One of the things she said in the film is “Getting things done in this world is so hard. You try and sometimes you are not successful. But you can’t give up. You have to keep on trying.”

We, as teachers, as Canadians and as citizens of the world must fight for the rights of girls and women everywhere. We have to keep trying. We have to keep talking about gender issues and education issues.

Let’s get educated on gender issues, let’s get involved. Use our voices and speak up for change in the world.  Let’s go and see “He Named Me Malala” in theaters.  Let’s support education and gender equity for all people regardless of where they are in the world.

Education is a right. It shouldn’t cost people their lives.