WASHINGTON, DC—Last night, Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12) met with Malala Yousafzai, who earned a Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy of education for young women. Congresswoman Granger released the following statement about the meeting: 

“Malala Yousafzai’s accomplishments are a source of inspiration for me and many others. As the daughter of a teacher and principal, and a former educator myself, I know firsthand the profound impact that an education can have on a young adult.

“The work that Malala does improves the lives of young men and women throughout the world.

“Malala has managed to accomplish so much good without a title or a position of power. She has earned recognition because of the importance of her message and her willingness to stand up to those who deny young women an education. In doing this work she has placed her life in jeopardy.

“We often mistake those who are physically imposing or in a position of power for the strongest individuals in our society. But as Abraham Lincoln said, ‘There is nothing stronger than gentleness.’ Malala is one of the strongest individuals whom I have ever had the honor of meeting. 

“Through my past work as Co-Chairwoman of the Iraqi Women’s Caucus and Co-Chairwoman of Women's Caucus Task Force on Afghan Women, and through my work as Chairwoman of the State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Subcommittee, I have led several efforts to make sure that young women have access to an education and opportunities to participate in the political process.

“I wish Malala the best as she continues her vital work and I am committed to doing whatever possible to ensure that an education is a right rather than a privilege.”

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