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'.

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A cake being cut in Peshawar celebrating Malala Yousafzai's Nobel Peace Prize award.—Photo by Zahir Shah Sherazi

I see in Malala the promise of a future that is free of conformity. I will never be of the opinion that a woman who chooses to be a stay-at-home mother is any less than a woman who chose something different, but it ought to be a choice.

This world ought to be a world where life is easier for women who want both; a world where promotions at work shouldn’t be dependent on how and when you get pregnant; where management positions are not held back due to having a family to tend to after working hours; a world where serving tea isn’t expected but requested, with love.

I feel immensely proud that a 17-year-old, from Mingora could stand and represent each one of us, who want to work and change the world in our own chosen fields.

From my mother’s generation to Malala’s, we have come a long way.

That is something to celebrate.