Malala Yousafzai

“I have learned so much from Nelson Mandela, and he has been my leader. He is a perpetual inspiration for me and millions of others around the world.”

“It's an honor to be awarded the Liberty Medal.”

“I know now that what countries do at summits has the power to help girls in Pakistan, Nigeria or Afghanistan.”

“I told myself, Malala, you have already faced death. This is your second life. Don't be afraid — if you are afraid, you can't move forward.”

“People say Malala's voice is being sold to the world. But I see it as Malala's voice reaching the world and resonating globally. You should think about what is behind Malala's voice. What is she saying? I am only talking about education, women's rights, and peace.”

“Terrorism will spill over if you don't speak up.”

“I believe it's a woman's right to decide what she wants to wear and if a woman can go to the beach and wear nothing, then why can't she also wear everything?”

“The best way to solve problems and to fight against war is through dialogue.”

“I love my God. I thank my Allah. I talk to him all day. He is the greatest. By giving me this height to reach people, he has also given me great responsibilities. Peace in every home, every street, every village, every country – this is my dream. Education for every boy and every girl in the world. To sit down on a chair and read my books with all my friends at school is my right. To see each and every human being with a smile of happiness is my wish.”

“As we crossed the Malakand Pass I saw a young girl selling oranges. She was scratching marks on a scrap of paper with a nail to account for the oranges she had sold as she could not read or write. I took a photo of her and vowed I would do everything in my power to help educate girls just like her. This was the war I was going to fight.”

“I will only miss school for an engagement if it is going to bring real change.”

“I don't want revenge on the Taliban, I want education for sons and daughters of the Taliban.”

“What is interesting is the power and the impact of social media... So we must try to use social media in a good way.”

“Let us pick up our books and our pens,” I said. “They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.”

“I speak not for myself but for those without voice... those who have fought for their rights... their right to live in peace, their right to be treated with dignity, their right to equality of opportunity, their right to be educated.”

“It's good to fight with your brothers, and it's good to tease them to give them advice.”

“My story is the story of thousands of children from around the world. I hope it inspires others to stand up for their rights.”

“We women are going to bring change. We are speaking up for girls' rights, but we must not behave like men, like they have done in the past.”

“I do not even hate the Talib who shot me. Even if there was a gun in my hand and he stands in front of me, I would not shoot him.”

“In many countries, they do not even keep track of how girls are doing in school, or if they are there at all. If we say, 'Girls count,' then we must count girls, so we can see if we are really making progress in educating every girl.”