Who hasn’t heard of Malala Yousafzai — the courageous teenager who so passionately and globally advocates for gender equality and the right to education. Her story is a reminder to us all of the power of a single voice. Her life and conviction is truly an inspiration.

And now, the Government of Canada, on behalf of all Canadians, is pleased to award Malala with an honourary Canadian citizenship. In receiving it, this exceptional teen joins an elite group of foreign recipients, all of exceptional merit.

In 2009, at just 11 years old, Malala, initially under a pseudonym, began writing a diary for BBC to describe the conditions in her village in Swat Valley in Pakistan. Malala gave the international community insight on Taliban oppression and violence in her community, particularly focusing on the ban on education for females.  By 2011, Malala gained international prominence as she continued to speak boldly for those who were silenced. Despite Taliban death threats, Malala refused to be silent and continued to fight for her right to an education. In October 2012, while she was riding the bus home from school, the Taliban attempted to assassinate her. Defying the odds after being shot in the head at point-blank range, Malala survived the attack and has recovered. Today, she continues to boldly fight for girls’ education.

By awarding honourary Canadian citizenship to Malala, our government recognizes that this incredible young woman not only shares our values but courageously advocates for them against the backdrop of Taliban extremism and oppression.

In the last century, five bold Canadian women known as the Famous Five fought hard for their belief that the full participation of women is essential to a free and healthy society. They were right. Today equality is a valued Canadian staple — as is the right to an education for all.

Canada is also a pluralistic society made up of many cultural heritages and religions. We are uniquely placed to defend the rights of the afflicted and to promote tolerance throughout the world. As part of our continued leadership on human rights issues, the federal government introduced the Office of Religious Freedom. The office is creating policies and programs to protect religious minorities under threat, to oppose religious hatred and to promote tolerance.

I am delighted that the Government of Canada is offering Malala Yousafzai an honorary Canadian citizenship. It is simply a part of our ongoing commitment to promote freedom, democracy and the rule of law.

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The audio version of Garry's November 18, 2013 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here