[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7eRbs-mLbw[/embedyt]

Oswego, NY – Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of the Malala Fund, Shiza Shahid spoke to members of the Oswego State community on Mar. 1. Her talk is part of the “I am Oz” diversity speaker series.

Shahid spoke on current gender and women’s rights issues as well as the role we have in society. She shared her story and the inspiration behind the Malala Fund.

“As people really started to resonate with the stories, we realized we should direct that energy toward something they can do to make a difference,” Shahid said. “That’s when the idea to create an organization came to be.”

She shared the fact that America is #52 in the global gender rankings, falling behind to countries like Muwanda. There are a number of ways in which America has a shockingly low position among protecting, enabling and empowering woman.

“America given that it is the wealthiest country in the world, it has significant challenges and in some respects, is a terrible place to be a woman,” she said.

She encourages both men and women to get involved, build relationships, and redesign the way many people think of gender inequality.