Member-only story

Gulmakai Saleh: The Girl Who Dared to Speak Out

Ismael Hayes

·5k Followers· Follow

Published in The Broken Smile Gulmakai Saleh

5 min read · 2 weeks before

443 View Claps

57 Respond

Save

Listen

Gulmakai Saleh, A Young Woman With A Disfigured Face, Smiling The Broken Smile Gulmakai Saleh

The Broken Smile

by Gulmakai Saleh

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2624 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	34 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

In 2012, the world was shocked by the story of Gulmakai Saleh, a 12-year-old girl who was shot in the head by the Taliban. Gulmakai survived the attack, but the bullet left her with a permanent facial disfigurement.

Despite her injuries, Gulmakai has refused to be silenced. She has become a vocal advocate for education and peace, and her story has inspired people around the world.

Gulmakai's story is one of courage and resilience. She has overcome incredible adversity to become a powerful voice for change. Her story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

The Attack

Gulmakai was born in the Swat Valley of Pakistan. In 2009, the Taliban took control of the valley and imposed strict rules on the local population. Girls were forbidden from going to school, and women were forced to wear burqas.

Gulmakai's father was a teacher, and he refused to stop teaching girls. In retaliation, the Taliban burned down his school. Gulmakai and her family were forced to flee their home.

In 2012, Gulmakai was attending a peace rally when she was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman. The bullet shattered her jaw and cheekbone, and it left her with a permanent facial disfigurement.

Gulmakai was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent multiple surgeries. She spent months in the hospital, and she had to learn how to speak and eat again.

The Recovery

After being released from the hospital, Gulmakai faced a long and difficult recovery. She had to undergo multiple surgeries to repair her face, and she had to learn how to live with her disfigurement.

Gulmakai's family and friends were there to support her during her recovery. They helped her to regain her confidence and to find a new sense of purpose.

The Activist

Gulmakai's story has inspired people around the world. She has become a vocal advocate for education and peace, and she has spoken out against the Taliban's violence.

Gulmakai has spoken at the United Nations and at other international forums. She has met with world leaders and celebrities, and she has been featured in major media outlets.

Gulmakai's activism has made a real difference in the world. She has helped to raise awareness of the Taliban's violence, and she has inspired others to stand up for what they believe in.

The Broken Smile

Gulmakai's memoir, The Broken Smile, was published in 2019. The book tells the story of her life, from her childhood in Pakistan to her work as an activist.

The Broken Smile is a powerful and moving memoir. It is a story of courage, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.

Gulmakai Saleh is an inspiration to us all. She has shown us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. She is a reminder that we can all make a difference in the world, no matter how small.

The Broken Smile

by Gulmakai Saleh

4.6 out of 5