Raising a daughter is seriously a joy. And I wouldn’t say it’s harder than raising a boy. It’s just different. I remember trying to find more children’s books with female leads. It’s not that I didn’t want to read her Dr. Seuss or Mo Willems. I still read her all the books that her three older brothers were brought up with. But I wanted her to relate and identify with the main characters. I have some amazing friends that got me on board with great books for girls. (Not that these books are limited to girls) But some recommendations were just to get books that were pink, sparkly, and about princesses. Not really what I wanted.
Don’t get me wrong. I like princesses. Especially ones that are kind and brave. I was looking for a little more depth. And it’s not surprising that her favorite princess for a long time was Princess Leia. That’s why when I came across photographer Jamie Moore’s project I knew I wanted to do the same for my daughter on her 5th birthday. Back in 2013, when my daughter was born, I knew I also wanted to recreate my daughter as iconic women who influenced my life. Back then we weren’t sure if she would make it to age 5 with all her health concerns. I count myself blessed that I was able to experience this with my daughter. She’s healthy and thriving and such a light to others. I can’t wait to see the difference she is going to make in this world.
I started to make a list of amazing women I admired. I knew Malala Yousafzai had to be one of them. In 2016 I read I Am Malala and it was one of my favorite reads on the year. I was so impressed with her courage. I love how she shares her story, saying she’s just a normal girl. I love hearing the arguments she has with her brothers. Malala lived in Pakistan with her family. Her father ran a school for girls. But unlike my daughter living in the states, some girls weren’t encouraged to attend school. I love that Malala’s father valued girls and worked to help them receive schooling.
In Pakistan some parents were disappointed when they gave birth to daughters. But Malala’s parents valued and appreciated her. She is brilliant and worked extremely hard in school. My favorite family joke was that someday one of her younger brothers would be her secretary. What a blessing to have parents who believed in you so much. Malala was at the top of her class and worked hard to stay there.
As the influence of Taliban increased, many people stopped sending their daughters to school. But Malala kept going. She did more than just attend. She started writing about her experiences, something her father encouraged. Using a pen name to protect her safety she told the world what it was like attending school under the Taliban. Journalists were able to share her story and bring awareness of what was happening. Because of the power of her words evil men wanted to silence her from sharing her story. An attempt was made on her life while riding home on a school bus. I can’t imagine how her parents felt when they found out what happened. Her family was able to escape to London where Malala could recover. And what a blessing for us that she did recover because she still had great things to do.
And her story doesn’t stop there. She has continued to speak up for education for girls. Malala is the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. And Malala is a hero of mine.
I love teaching my daughter Malala’s story. Malala wrote a beautiful picture book, perfect for my daughter’s age, called Malala’s Magic Pencil. Malala tells of a TV show she watched as a girl with a magic pencil that could make things come to life. What kid wouldn’t want a magic pencil to create fun or solve problems? In this book we learn the power of sharing our story and writing powerful messages to help change the world. This book encourages children to act to make the world a better place. Malala’s beautiful story shares how she is working hard to make her dreams come true.
I love using books to help teach children to broaden their understanding of the world. A simply beautiful way to teach the value of education. School can sometimes seem like a pain, when some would much rather play or have fun. If I could help my children to see what a blessing it is to receive an education, it might change their perspective. Imagine the world if everyone was grateful for their schooling. If I can help my daughter learn compassion and to advocate for others I have done even more.
It was hard for my daughter to try to grasp the idea that boys were prized and favored over girls. She has grown up being adored by her three older brothers. They help pick out shirts that say “girls can do anything” and treat her with such respect. Being the only girl and having health concerns as a baby she has been even more doted on by her brothers. My sweet 5 year old can’t really understand growing up in a place with war all around. Fighting is something she hears about in scriptures or Star Wars movies. But learning about others in the world will help her to have more charity and love for others as she grows up.
I hope my daughter can be brave like Malala. I hope she will have strong moral courage to do what it right. I hope she will trust in God as she faces hard trials. And I hope she will use her talents and her time to bless the lives of those around her.
We can help Malala with her dream. Visiting Malala’s site where you can donate to help girls attend school all over the world. Malala is fighting to give back to girls what poverty, war and discrimination tried to take away. When we educate girls we are changing the world. We need their brilliant ideas and their voice. Whether that girl uses her education for a career or to be a mother, we need educated women. Think of the impact on a village or a city that is filled with well taught women. Families and communities are strengthened.
Another way I like to help girls receive an education is through Days for Girls. This organization is all over the globe. Their mission is to provide reusable menstruation kits to young girls so they can keep attending school even after they get their periods. You can help sew kits on your own or look for nights when they gather to work together. They need help ironing and cutting material if you don’t know how to sew. Involving your children makes it even better. I look forward to the day when we can sew together and feel love for our sisters around the world.
My daughter told me she loved dressing up like Malala. And when it’s her turn to be Star of the Week and she can share who she wants to be like when she gets older she’s going to tell them Malala.
Please read I Am Malala! My oldest son read it this past summer. Her story needs to be shared. And you can share Malala’s brave story with her picture book Malala’s Magic Pencil which is perfect for younger readers. With a world filled with so many examples for our children, let’s make sure we are taking time to teach them about real people who are making a difference. Click over to her site to learn how she continues to change the world.
I’m so thankful for Malala and her family. I admire her courage to share her story while attending school during such a scary time. And as I reflect on her choices to advocate and help others it makes me pause to think how I can do more to help the world around me.
I would love to hear what amazing woman has influenced YOUR life. Share in the comments below. And check back during the rest of this week to see four more amazing women that have impacted my life.
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