I have worked in the news business for almost a decade now, and frequently seen bomb blast footage of human bodies ripped apart beyond recognition; the blurring of the faces of little girls and boys, who have been victims of rape, the ugly realities of humanity.

On days like yesterday, though, I am reminded of the reason why I have stuck to working in this industry.

Listening to Malala Yousafzai, in her skillfully mastered tone, had me in tears of joy. My heart, having long carried the guilt of choosing to be a career woman, finally felt liberated.

I just stared at the screen and kept saying to myself, 'this girl is 17'.