ludUO

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Women
The women who stood out in 2012
Malala Yusufzai:
A 14-year-old girl in Mingora, Swat,
Malala was shot in the head by the Taliban
in October for her activism regarding
women’s rights and promotion of female
education. Her courage to stand up for the
fundamental right of education at the risk of
her own life gained much global attention.
The outrage following the attack and
appreciation for her courage to stand up for
the fundamental right of education at the risk
of her own life led to the United Nations
declaring November 10 as ‘Malala Day’, a
day to focus on the millions of girls around
the world who are denied the right to
education.. The incident resulted in much
international pressure on the government to
form policies regarding girls’ education.
Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy:
Her Oscar winning documentary, Saving
Face, concerning acid attacks on women in
Pakistan, inspired acid burnt victims to
campaign for the implementation of the Acid
Crime Prevention Act.
Shad Begum:
A social worker from lower Dir, Shad
Begum received the International Women of
Courage Award in March for her efforts to
promote social and political rights in a deeply
conservative area.
Zubeida Mustafa:
A senior journalist, Zubeida received the
annual Lifetime Achievement Award from the
International Women’s Media Foundation for
her extensive writings on education and
women’s rights. As a tribute to her, Dawn
Media Group, where Zubeida had worked
for 33 years, announced a new award for
journalistic excellence titled the Zubeida
Mustafa Award.