Malala Yousafzai had the distinct pleasure of meeting with the Obamas on October 11, 2013. The Pakistani teen who survived an assassination attempt last year received a hearty welcome from The First Family, who admired her will to survive and change the world.
Malala was shot in the head by the Taliban while attempting to receive formal education in her country. Although the gunshot wound was a setback, Yousafzai was determined not to let it keep her from accomplishing her goals. Since recovering, the 16-year-old has continued her quest for education and has sought out ways of spreading awareness about the oppression that many Pakistani women face. Malala was nominated for the distinguished Nobel Peace Prize but was not chosen to receive such honor this year.
President Obama spoke of Malala’s courageous efforts telling media, “Across the globe there are girls who will one day lead nations, if only we afford them the chance to choose their own destinies. And on every continent, there are girls who will go on to change the world in ways we can only imagine, if only we allow them the freedom to dream. We salute Malala’s efforts to help make these dreams come true.”
Malia sat in on the meeting that her parents had with Yousafzai last Friday. The President and First Lady have two daughters.
Photo:Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
