Malala Yousafzai to visit Canada to receive honorary citizenship
Posted Apr 3, 2017 05:07:18 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Malala Yousafzai will visit Canada to officially receive honourary Canadian Citizenship, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday.
In October 2014, the House of Commons unanimously agreed to bestow citizenship on Yousafzai in recognition of her courage in the fight for women and girls’ education.
During her visit on April 12, Yousafzai will also address the Canadian Parliament, making her the youngest person to do so – along with being the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Trudeau will meet with Yousafzai to discuss the empowerment of girls through education and how they might contribute to the sustainable development of their communities.
Since surviving a Taliban attack at age 15, Yousafzai has become an internationally recognized spokesperson for women’s rights.
“Her story is one of determination and dignity, and Canada is proud to call her an honorary citizen of this great country,” Trudeau said, adding that she is an inspiration to millions around the world.
Ahead of her visit, Yousafzai noted that Canada is “leading the world” with regards to the global refugee crisis.
“I am honoured by Parliament’s invitation and look forward to visiting this great nation of heroes,” she said.
