Todays International Day of the Girl Child dedicated to the courage of 14 year old Pakistani campaigner Malala Yousufzai

Gender Concerns International dedicates today’s International Day of the Girl Child to the courage of 14 year old Pakistani campaigner Malala Yousufzai who is in critical condition in hospital after being shot by the Taliban. Malala was shot and seriously wounded on Tuesday, October 9 as she was leaving her school in her hometown in the Swat valley, northwest of the capital Islamabad.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility, saying her promotion of education for girls was pro-Western and because she had opposed them.

Director of Gender Concerns International, Sabra Bano, said: ”This UN observed International Day of the Girl Child highlights the importance of girls’ rights to equal education with boys and their fundamental freedoms. Attacking this young girl for simply asserting these human rights is an atrocious act.”

“We solidly support Pakistani women and civil society organisations in the country in their fight to eradicate this unacceptable discrimination, and violence.”

“We very much hope for Malala‘s recovery and continuing legacy of determination and bravery in the ongoing fight for gender equality.”