Ensler honors shot Pakistani activist

NEW YORK, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. author Eve Ensler called Pakistani activist Malala Yousufzai, who was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman, "fearless" and an "inspiration to teen girls."

Yousufzai, 14, is well-known and respected for her work promoting the education of girls and was nominated last year for the International Children's Peace Prize. She is currently being treated at a hospital in Mingora, Pakistan, for her wounds.

Ensler, author of "The Vagina Monologues," released a statement about Yousufzai as she began rehearsals for her new stage drama "Emotional Creature" Tuesday.

"The reason I wrote 'Emotional Creature' was to honor people like Malala Yousufzai -- a fearless young activist who is an inspiration to teen girls the world over. We cannot begin this process without keeping her in our thoughts," Ensler said. "Today's first rehearsal is dedicated to her bravery, her cause, and what I hope is her speedy recovery."