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Davos: It is time boys are taught to be men, says Malala Yousafzhai

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Charvi Kathuria
New Update
Malala biopic Gul Makai

During a session in Davos at the World Economic Forum, youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize Malala Yousafzhai emphasized on the need to educate young men on the subject of women's rights. This, according to her, is an important step for the cessation of gender inequality.

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Takeaways from her speech:

On role of men in feminism

“When we talk about feminism and women’s rights, we’re actually addressing men,” she said.

Men have a big role to play … We have to teach young boys how to be men. In order to be a man you have to recognize that all women and all those around you have equal rights and that you are part of this movement for equality.”

Read Also: Malala Yousafzai’s life story in 10 points

On feminism being synonymous with equality

“I looked more into it and I realized that feminism is just another word for equality, and no one should object to equality … When you speak about women’s rights, you become a feminist, whether you embrace it or not.”

On popular feminist movements

“A movement is building up and women are realizing their voices are so important to the change that they want to see. I said long ago during a UN speech that first we wanted men to do something for us, but that time has gone now, we’re not going to ask men to change the world, we’re going to do it ourselves.”

Read Also: Malala Featured Among ‘Peace Heroes’ In Vienna Peace Museum

 On the importance of educating girls

“I haven’t met a single prime minister who would not send their own children to school.All of them send their children to school, their children go to university, they do not need any explanation as to how important education is. But when it comes to the rest of the world’s children, they struggle a bit. So you have to keep on reminding them.”

On role models

She explained how she always looked upto her father for inspiration.

“For me, my role model has always been my father. When we talk about feminism in men, he is the example that I give … He was challenging society, he was challenging norms and he was challenging taboos at each and every point in his life … He was a feminist who was taking action, and if he had not allowed me, I would not be here. There were many girls who wanted to speak out, but their parents stopped them.”

Read Also: Malala Becomes UN’s Youngest Messenger Of Peace

Women Empowerment Feminism Gender Inequality Davos Malala Younsafzai WEF 2018
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