AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION
ISLAMABAD

11 October 2012

Press Release

Australian High Commissioner: ‘Malala an Inspiration to All of Us’

Today all over the world people are celebrating the inaugural United Nations International Day of the Girl Child.

It is a day designed to draw attention to the challenges and obstacles girls around the world face in realising their full potential. Of course this includes their ability to fully access education and training on an equal access with boys.

On this day I am particularly moved to reflect on the bravery and inspiration of Malala Yousufzai, the young activist who was critically wounded at Mingora this week. The Australian Government has strongly condemned the cowardly and senseless attack and our thoughts and prayers are with Malala and her family and friends.

On 10 October, the Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard resolved to join Malala in her struggle to advocate for the rights of women and girls in Pakistan. She stated “Malala’s dedication to fighting for the rights of education for all children in Pakistan is an inspiration to all of us. And we resolve to join her in her work”.
(Full statement attached)

Due to their age and gender, girls are a particularly vulnerable population throughout the world and especially in Pakistan. The Australian Government stands ready to work with the Government of Pakistan to improve the lives of women and girls. I would also like to congratulate the Ministry of Human Rights for convening its National Conference on Child Rights on this day (11 October) with the theme of violence against children. I was honoured to attend.

Through our aid program we aim to improve the quality of, and access to, pre-primary and primary school for girls and boys in Pakistan. Australia has a long history of effective assistance in the sector, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Between 1998 and 2008, Australia supported the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) program in Balochistan which resulted in 46,000 girls enrolling in primary school with 89 per cent retention rate. We continue to focus our efforts in this area.

Malala’s tragic attack should only strengthen our resolve to continue to fight extremism and to advocate for the rights of girls everywhere to access education. Our thoughts are with Malala today and I wish her a quick and full recovery.
 

Contact: Fatima Mujtaba