Read an English translation of Malala’s diary entries here. For the original BBC Urdu series, click on the links below:
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10
In 2009, Malala Yousafzai began writing a 10 part series, “Diary of a Pakistani Schoolgirl” at the BBC Urdu. Published pseudonymously under the pen name “Gul Makai,” a reference to a heroine in local folklore, the first entry appeared on January 2009.
If the pen name was meant to keep her identity secret, it certainly didn’t work. By mid-February, the New York Times had already aired a short documentary featuring Malala and her father and their struggle to sustain a girls’ school under the Taliban in Swat. That documentary had already been in production in January. It is not clear whether the NYT learned of Malala through the BBC or whether it was the other way around; in either case, the situation calls for a serious engagement with the question of media ethics. What obligation do media organizations have to their subjects? How can the voices of those living in troubled areas be handled responsibly? At best, it is a delicate game between providing a platform to courageous voices and weighing the possibly enormous ramifications for those people once the cameras are gone.
As those of us who cover these landscapes well know, media organizations evince little concern for their informants, particularly those in the Third World. The underclass of this region, especially, is cajoled for a soundbite, photographed, and filmed–whether at the doctor’s office or at home–all without the usual legal detritus that would signify informed consent and, more importantly, protection, were it a First World subject. Sometimes, the subjects don’t even know that they are being reported on; at other times, they may not fully understand the way in which media technologies now circulate image and information.
That may not be the situation with Malala or her family who may have decided to move forward with these public projects fully understanding the potential for negative consequences. That form of courage deserves support, but it does not eliminate the question of the ethical obligations of a media organization towards those it publicizes for profit.
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[…] welcome the question. Malala’s own diaries speak time and again to the abuses of the TTP in her beloved Swat. But, the responses in the paper […]
Ralph Wilson_NDThese days are so very important for all of us when we know that if we stand up for soehtming there may be one or more violent people who oppose what we think is important. I live in Washington DC and am glad for the many ways people can contribute toward world peace. This young girl’s stance has strengthened my hope for the world. Such a young person yet such a wise and valiant stance. I hope that she has a long life and that she always feels the sustaining love that her community and many, many people in the world hold for her. Thank you for creating the International Children’s Peace Prize; I’m sure that it is bringing much encouragement to many young people in many different communities. The children are the hope of the future.
Thank you for your comment!In no way do I in any way state that Islam does not give women equal rhitgs. On the contrary that is exactly what I’m saying. I do believe, though, that the version of Islam that the Taliban practice is not one accepted by the principles of the religion. In no way does the religion condone violence of any sort, particularly against a young 14 year old girl! May I suggest you re-read my post and some of my previous ones to get a better picture of my opinions
we muslim often says that “we are muslim and we there is no rul for girls education.
but naushad says that a good muslim must be a good human being and our humanity allow for girls to be educated.
She is a role model to every girls
She is a role model to every girls
Great girl ever living in this world .
such brave , inspiring , great !!!
burqa avenger who defeat taliban evil organisation .
and who also say that that the black borqa remind here the age of darkness ….bullshit
you are totally right.if she is so much against burqa then why is she wearing the scarf on her head?this is also the like of burqa.the book clearly describe her as an anti Islamic girl.otherwise i encourage her bravery.
i am a 12 yr old girl reading about malala and it sickens me to know that the tailban do things like killing innocent men and women and shooting malala for using the voice that she was given
[…] el 12 de julio de 1997 en la ciudad de Mingora (Pakistán), adquirió notoriedad al escribir un blog para la BBC utilizando el seudónimo de Gul Makai. En dicho blog denunciaba las atrocidades sufridas bajo el […]
[…] el 12 de julio de 1997 en la ciudad de Mingora (Pakistán), adquirió notoriedad al escribir un blog para la BBC utilizando el seudónimo de Gul Makai. En dicho blog denunciaba las atrocidades sufridas bajo el […]
[…] Yousufzai the Swat girl who wrote diaries as “Gul Makai” for the BBC Urdu service and was shot by Taliban on speaking for Girls right of education won this years Nobel Peace […]
the great girl! who ensure that we are the nation of peace and are the way blocker of all type of terror. malala, the true Pakistani and true Muslim. I am proud of you……
but I am not agree with her father and the people that handed her and using her. she is a child but she must realize that she would not used by other communities for anti muslim and anti Pakistan movements
Malala has teach the sprit to never stop fighting for injustice.
Caran D’ Ache
http://www.williampenn.net/brand/caran-d-ache
Malala JI ne is age me girls k liye Jo kiya h wo wakyi kabil-a-tarif h, jis age me unhe pdna likhna chahiye us age me unhone dusri girls k education k liye struggle liya, yha tk ki wo Taliban se shot hone k bad v nhi dri or apna career bachpn KO bachane me LGA diya. She is really great girl,
Malala is such a nice girl and so strong
Malala is so strong of a girl
My daughter has been participated in fancy dress as a malala yousufzai and i m honoured and pleasured to see my daughter as a brave girl malala .Hatts off.
Hi I am an educational specialist working for an organization that prepares online learning material for schools and students. I want to use an extract from malala’s diary entries? can i use them or will i face copywright issues. How do i get permission to use them?
I think the greater issue here is that its not Taliban that are responsible for the dire situation of education and then girls education at large in Pakistan. as religious groups were never given a huge vote bank by mainstream Pakistanis . Pakistani cultural attitude and academic thought has mostly been generated and dominated by university graduates not madrassas graduates. the issue here is that those very people that have been depriving Pakistani people of their basic rights, namelyt their elite beaurucracy is also now lapping up the role of malala rescuers. these people do nothing, other than run some slogans, some programs etc but nothing is achieved because their is no hard work and money going into providing Pakistani people with education. what sickens me perhaps more is how this issue is handled pn international platforms.that in western circles there are also lobbies with their war mongering agendas that marginalise already poverty and illiteracy stricken people of poorer countries. its just depressing all around.
Malal make a big success in the world but i think it is a part of a big propaganda.
Hi Malala. My name is Harshel and I live in Canada. In our grade 4 class we have to do a biography on a famous person so I choose you. I have a few questions for you.
1. What is your daily routine in your life? What do you do on a normal day.
2. Why do you support education? Why didn’t you support something else that was good?
3. How is your life after your injury? Do any difficulties?
4. In which ways did your parents support you? How did they help you in early years and today.
5. What was your plan to stop the Taliban? Did you have a plan?
May you please reply to these questions as soon as possible. Reply at the email harshelkavya@gmail.com.
Thank you for your time,
Sincerely Harshel.