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Malala Yousafzai - A Beacon Of Courage, Education, And Women's Empowerment

Malala Yousafzai is the youngest Nobel Laureate in history. She is a Pakistani female campaigner for education. Her human rights work is internationally recognized, especially in the field of women's and children's education in her home region of the Swat Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northwest Pakistan, where females were formerly forbidden from attending school by the Taliban.

Author:James Pierce
Reviewer:Emily Sanchez
Jan 09, 202444 Shares21.9K Views
Malala Yousafzaiis the youngest Nobel Laureate in history. She is a Pakistani female campaigner for education. Her human rights work is internationally recognized, especially in the field of women's and children's education in her home region of the Swat Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northwest Pakistan, where females were formerly forbidden from attending school by the Taliban.
She was nominated for the International Children's Peace Prize by campaigner Desmond Tutu. She received the 2013 Sakharov Prize in addition to the inaugural National Youth Peace Prize from Pakistan in 2012. In 2013, she and Shiza Shahid co-wrote the worldwide hit book I Am Malala. They also co-founded the nonprofit Malala Fund.

Quick Info About About Malala Yousafzai

Date Of BirthJul 12, 1997
Place Of BirthMingora, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
ProfessionActivist for female education, former blogger for BBC Urdu
NationalityPakistani
GenderFemale

Early Years And Career Beginnings

Malala Yousafzai, the daughter of Ziauddin and Tor, was born in Mingora, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, in 1997. Atal and Khushal are her two younger brothers, and they practice Sunni Islam. Her father, who was also a poet, school owner, and fighter for education, provided Yousafzai with the most of her schooling. Yousafzai started giving speeches at local press clubs on the rights to education as early as 2008.
She joined the Institute for War and Peace Reporting's Open Minds Pakistan youth program in 2009 as a trainee, and later as a peer educator. She then started blogging for BBC Urdu, sharing details of her life during her area's takeover by the Pakistani Taliban. Her blog entries, written under the pseudonym "Gul Makai," discussed the First Battle of Swat, the Taliban's growing mistreatment and brutality against women, and the closure of her school.
Following the Taliban's decree in February 2009 prohibiting females from attending school, Yousafzai publicly denounced the terrorist organization on the national talk program "Capital Talk." After then, the Taliban momentarily suspended the prohibition. As the Pakistani military interfered in the area after the school ban event, journalist Adam B. Ellick produced a documentary on Yousafzai for the New York Times.
As a consequence, Yousafzai's profile shot through the roof. She did several interviews on print and television, was nominated for the International Children's Peace Prize by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and rose to the position of chair of the District Child Assembly of the Khpal Kor Foundation. Her notoriety increased even further when she was awarded Pakistan's first National Youth Peace Prize.

High School And College

Following her rehabilitation, Yousafzai went to Birmingham, England's Edgbaston High School, which was exclusively for females. She enrolled at the University of Oxford in 2017 to study economics, politics, and philosophy. 2020 saw Yousafzai graduate from Oxford.

Books And Documentaries

Malala Yousafzai giving a speech
Malala Yousafzai giving a speech
Numerous critically acclaimed books and movies have both featured and written by Yousafzai. She co-wrote the autobiography "I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up For Education and Was Shot by the Taliban," which was published in 2013. Christina Lamb is a British journalist.
After becoming a worldwide success, a children's version of the book was eventually released. For this book, Malala was given a $3 million advance. The 2015 documentary "He Named Me Malala," which focused on Yousafzai, was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Documentary Feature category.
Subsequently, Yousafzai authored "Malala's Magic Pencil," a picture book, and "We Are Displaced: True Stories of Refugee Lives," an autobiographical piece that was released in 2019. The next year, actress Reem Sameer Shaikh portrayed Yousafzai in the Hindi-language biographical film "Gul Makai," which was based on her life. It was announced at the beginning of 2021 that Yousafzai and Apple will start a multiyear cooperation. She oversees comedy, animation, documentaries, and drama programs for the company's streaming service, Apple TV+.

The Assassination Attempt

As a result of her vocal advocacy and widespread notoriety, Yousafzai started receiving death threats from extremist organizations. She and two other girls were shot in an attempted assassination by a Pakistani Taliban gunman in October 2012 while riding a bus home after an exam.
After being shot in the head, Yousafzai became unconscious, and her health deteriorated. After her hospitalized condition improved, she was sent to the UK. Worldwide sympathy for Yousafzai and her cause, as well as considerable worldwide criticism of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, resulted from the murder attempt.

Malala Yousafzai Activism

Malala Yousafzai waving
Malala Yousafzai waving
Yousafzai has engaged in a great deal of advocacy. She gave speeches in 2013 at Oxford, Harvard University, and the United Nations. More than 500 youth activists from all across the world attended her address at the UN. Yousafzai and her father cofounded the Malala Fund in 2013.
The Fund is a global nonprofit organization that promotes girls' education and works to guarantee that all girls get a free, secure, and high-quality education for 12 years. Later, in 2015, Yousafzai utilized the Fund to build a school for Syrian refugees in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, marking her 18th birthday. Yousafzai has spoken up on women's education and human rights on television on programs including "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and "My Next Guest Needs No Introduction" with David Letterman, two of America's top talk shows.

Nobel Peace Prize And Other Honors

Yousafzai was named the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize winner in recognition of her efforts to combat youth oppression. She won the youngest Nobel laureate in history at the age of only 17. Kailash Satyarthi, an Indian campaigner for children's rights, and split the award. Yousafzai has won several accolades and distinctions in addition to her Nobel Prize.
These include the Gleitsman Award from Harvard Kennedy School, the Philadelphia Liberty Medal, the Ellis Island International Medal of Honor, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize, the Simone de Beauvoir Prize, and Amnesty International's Ambassador of Conscience Award. Yousafzai also became the youngest speaker of the Canadian House of Commons when she was awarded honorary citizenship in 2017.

Malala Yousafzai Net Worth

As of 2024, Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani campaigner for education, is estimated to be worth $5 million. Malala Yousafzai has been involved in various ventures, including her work with the Malala Fund, public speaking engagements, and writing.
Net Worth in 2024$5.0 Million
Net Worth in 2023$4.6 Million
Net Worth in 2022$4.2 Million
Net Worth in 2021$3.8 Million
Net Worth in 2020$3.5 Million

Is Malala Yousafzai Dating Someone?

Regarding Malala's marital status, she is a contented single lady. Right now, her career is more important to her than being in a relationship. Furthermore, there are no rumors that she is seeing someone. She keeps the public in the dark about her personal life. She hasn't been in any public photos with anybody yet. She identifies as a straight woman sexually. She has not yet given birth to or adopted a kid.

Hobbies & Interests

Malala Yousafzai wearing a purple sari dress
Malala Yousafzai wearing a purple sari dress
Malala Yousafzai, known for her strong advocacy for education and girls' rights, also has a range of hobbies and interests that showcase her diverse personality. Here are some of Malala's hobbies and interests:
  • Cricket -Malala has expressed her love for cricket, and she has jokingly mentioned that she would like to become the captain of the Pakistani cricket team.
  • Video Games -Despite her serious advocacy work, Malala enjoys playing video games, offering a glimpse into her more casual and relaxed side.
  • Poetry -Malala has a deep appreciation for poetry, with a particular fondness for the works of the renowned Pakistani poet Allama Iqbal.
  • Astronomy -Malala has shown an interest in astronomy and stargazing, finding inspiration in the vastness of the universe.
  • Sustainable Fashion -Malala is an advocate for sustainable and ethical fashion. She often promotes environmentally friendly clothing choices and supports initiatives that align with her values.
  • Reading -Malala is an avid reader and enjoys immersing herself in various literary works. Her love for reading is reflected in her eloquent speeches and writings.
  • Environmental Issues -Malala has a passion for environmental causes and has spoken out about the importance of addressing climate change. She recognizes the interconnectedness of social issues and environmental sustainability.
  • Pet Ownership -Malala is a pet owner and has a cat named Kit Cat. Her pet occasionally makes appearances on her social media profiles.
  • Public Speaking -While not a traditional hobby, Malala has developed a talent for public speaking. Her speeches are powerful and resonate with audiences worldwide, showcasing her ability to communicate effectively.
  • Painting -Malala is also known for her artistic side and enjoys expressing her creativity through painting.

Interesting Facts About Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai wearing a red sari dress
Malala Yousafzai wearing a red sari dress
  • Malala's favorite subject in school is physics, showcasing her love for the sciences alongside her passion for social activism.
  • She is an avid user of social media, particularly Twitter, where she shares insights into her daily life, thoughts, and updates on her advocacy work.
  • Malala's dream job as a child was to become a doctor, reflecting her early aspirations before her focus shifted to education advocacy.
  • She enjoys reading poetry, with a particular fondness for the works of Pakistani poet Allama Iqbal.
  • Malala has a playful side and enjoys playing video games, providing a glimpse into her more casual interests.
  • She is known for her sense of humor and once joked about her love for cricket, saying she would like to become the captain of the Pakistani cricket team.
  • Malala is a fan of the television show "Ugly Betty," and she has expressed admiration for the show's protagonist, Betty Suarez.
  • Despite her global fame, Malala remains down-to-earth and often emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself.
  • She is an advocate for sustainable fashion and often promotes ethical and eco-friendly clothing choices.
  • Malala has a keen interest in astronomy and stargazing, finding inspiration in the vastness of the universe.
  • She has a pet cat named Kit Cat, and pictures of her furry companion occasionally grace her social media profiles.
  • Malala is passionate about environmental issues, and she has spoken out about the importance of addressing climate change.
  • She has a talent for public speaking, and her speeches often include powerful and thought-provoking quotes that resonate with audiences worldwide.
  • Malala is an accomplished painter, expressing her creativity through art as another outlet alongside her activism.
  • She once revealed in an interview that her favorite word is "freedom," highlighting the value she places on the liberty to pursue education and advocate for human rights.

Malala Yousafzai - FAQs

Why Is Malala Famous?

Malala gained international fame for her advocacy of girls' education, which began with writing a blog for BBC Urdu under a pseudonym at the age of 11. She survived a targeted assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012, which further amplified her global recognition.

What Is Malala's Educational Background?

Malala completed her early education at her father's school, Khushal Public School. After surviving the Taliban attack, she continued her education in the United Kingdom. In 2017, she started her studies at the University of Oxford, pursuing a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics.

What Is "I Am Malala," And When Was It Published?

"I Am Malala" is an autobiography co-authored by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb. It was published in 2013 and provides insights into Malala's life, her advocacy for girls' education, and the events surrounding the Taliban attack on her.

Conclusion

Malala Yousafzai's story is a testament to the power of education, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of one young girl to make a difference in the world. Her journey from a remote valley in Pakistan to the global stage is an inspiration to millions, proving that one person's voice can indeed change the world. As Malala continues her advocacy work, her legacy serves as a reminder that education is not just a privilege but a fundamental right that must be protected and extended to every child, regardless of their gender or geographical location.
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James Pierce

James Pierce

Author
Emily Sanchez

Emily Sanchez

Reviewer
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