Malala Yousafzai's story "I Am Malala" is a compelling autobiographical work that serves as both a personal narrative and a mission statement. Co-written by Malala, a prominent advocate for girls' education worldwide, and Christina Lamb, a foreign correspondent for The Sunday Times, the book chronicles Malala's journey from her early years in the Swat Valley to her emergence as a global symbol of courage and activism.
Malala's passion for education was evident from a young age when she would sneak into the classrooms of her father's school in the Swat Valley, often called the Switzerland of the East. As she grew older, she witnessed the Taliban's increasing control over the rights and freedoms of the Pakistani people. Malala and her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, could not remain indifferent and began to protest through the media, risking their lives to advocate for education and equality. Their brave stand against the Taliban's oppression brought international attention to their cause and highlighted the critical importance of education for all.
Where it all began: Malala's early life and education
Malala Yousafzai's early life in the picturesque village of Mingora, Pakistan, was marked by her father's financial struggles to fund schools for both girls and boys. Despite these hardships, her father's dedication to education deeply influenced Malala's commitment to learning and advocacy. Growing up, Malala witnessed the adverse effects of extremist groups, particularly the policies introduced by General Zia in the late seventies, which aimed to curtail women's rights and push Pakistan towards stricter interpretations of Islam.
Throughout her primary school years and beyond, Malala's education was heavily impacted by the Taliban's influence in the northwest frontier. Her mother, Toor Pekai Yousafzai, had given up her own educational opportunities due to cultural and religious pressures and later regretted it. This experience motivated her to encourage Malala to pursue education and follow her father's lead, ensuring she knew she was "free as a bird."
Malala's father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, played a crucial role in her upbringing, constantly reinforcing the importance of education and gender equality. He sang to her:
“O Malalai of Maiwand, Rise once more to make Pashtuns understand the song of honor, Your poetic words turn worlds around, I beg you, rise again!"
This song instilled a sense of pride and resilience in the little girl. Ziauddin's dedication helped Malala rise above the challenges, eventually leading her to become a global symbol of defiance against the Taliban. Ziauddin's unwavering support allowed Malala to "break the chains of patriarchy" and aspire for a brighter future. She became the youngest Nobel laureate, graduated from Oxford University, and continued her mission of advocating for "education for all" alongside her supportive husband.
The 2008 ban on girls' schools and a growing danger to the Yousafzai family
In 2008, the Tehrik-e-Taliban, an alliance of militant networks opposing the official Pakistan army, proceeded to enforce the ban on girl's education, earlier announced by the Taliban. At that time, New York Times journalist Adam B. Ellick took a trip to the Swat Valley to film a documentary, "Class Dismissed," about Malala and her Pakistani classmates' last day in school. This opportunity helped the activist to take "what Malala Yousafzai was fighting for" to the next level, at the same time exposing herself and her father to the danger of being killed by Islamic terrorists just like some of their fellow activists. Nonetheless, the father-daughter duo didn't hesitate to keep transforming the local "very strict and unimaginative" schools of the Valley:
"My father longed for the freedom that would come with running his own school. He wanted to encourage independent thought and hated the way the school he was at rewarded obedience above open-mindedness and creativity."
As Malala emphasizes in this quote, she learned to be a passionate dreamer and leader from her father, Ziauddin.
The 2012 attack, recovery, and Nobel Peace Prize
In 2012, Malala Yousafzai's life changed forever. After passing an exam, she was on her way home when a Taliban gunman shot her in the eye, with the bullet trajectory dangerously close to her brain. Rushed to a military hospital by her father and family, Malala underwent critical treatment. Doctors recommended she be moved abroad for further recovery, and she was airlifted to a hospital in Birmingham, UK.
The Pakistani government, alongside international supporters, provided financial and diplomatic support, covering all recovery expenses, including surgery to fix her facial nerve. World leaders, including President Barack Obama, reached out during her recovery, reminding her family of her father's belief: "If you help someone in need, you might also receive unexpected help."
A few years after her 16th birthday speech at the United Nations, Malala Yousafzai shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Indian activist Kailash Satyarthi. Both were honored for their fight against the suppression of children and young people and for advocating the right to education for all children. This recognition was especially meaningful for Malala, who had overcome immense adversity to become a global symbol of courage and advocacy for education.
Her father's influence also shaped Malala's empathetic nature. When asked if she held a grudge against the gunman who shot her or the Taliban, she consistently replied that she simply wanted their children to have the chance to study, saying, "With guns, you can kill terrorists; with education, you can kill terrorism."
Shortly after the attack, she was awarded the International Children's Peace Prize in 2013, a testament to her years of dedication. One of the most poignant moments of her advocacy was during a Pakistani TV interview where she emotionally asked, "How dare the Taliban take away my basic right to education?"
A murder attempt that defeated all odds: Malala Yousafzai's legacy as a human rights activist
Experiencing a murder attempt on her life didn't stop the Pakistani activist but encouraged Malala to work even harder and make her voice louder. This motivated her to put effort into adjusting to life in England and finding more ways to advocate for her cause on a global stage. The famous speech where she addresses the United Nations Youth Assembly has become one of the highlights of Malala Yousafzai's achievements, as it sent a message to millions and assisted with finding supporters for the Malala Fund. This speech was a beautiful tribute to the initiative of the Pakistani people, where more than 2 million signed a special petition after what happened to Malala which forced the National Assembly to ratify the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Bill.
"I Am Malala: The girl who stood up for education and was shot": Overview
"I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot" is the powerful memoir of Malala Yousafzai. Co-written with Christina Lamb, the book chronicles Malala's early life, her father's influence as an educator, and the rise of the Taliban in her region. Malala describes the fear and violence that swept through her hometown, leading to a ban on girls attending school.
Despite the dangers, Malala continued to speak out for her right to education, becoming a prominent voice against the Taliban's tyranny. Malala's memoir not only details her incredible journey of survival and recovery but also highlights her ongoing commitment to education and advocacy.
A transcendent power of the name Gul Makai: Where Malala is today
Malala's story has touched many lives and continues serving as a unifying power, inspiring the young generation to become education advocates and fight for children's rights around the globe. Currently, the Malala Fund continues to diligently bring to life its leader's life mission of the girls' education activist, as specified in her Instagram bio. During a Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in 2023, the Nobel Prize winner vocally emphasized:
"It took a bullet to my head for the world to stand with me. What will it take for the world to stand with the girls and women of Afghanistan?"
Malala once started her work in secret under the disguise of the name Gul Makai, writing a diary of a girl living under the Taliban at the request of BBC Urdu. Now, she doesn't have the slightest intention to lay low despite the standing danger of the Taliban, continuing to fund and advocate the cause of girls in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and other Islamic countries where women's rights are seriously suppressed. She continues to believe in "another Islam" that is not afraid of educated voices. Malala stressed this after the book denouncing the Prophet, "The Satanic Voices" by Salman Rushdie, was published:
"Is Islam such a weak religion that it cannot tolerate a book written against it? Not my Islam!"
The Taliban could have taken away a fundamental right to education, but not the fighting spirit of Malala and female students like her. The young Pakistani activist keeps supporting grantees of Malala Fund's Education Champion Network, reaching far beyond the borders of her motherland. Most recent initiatives aim to transform the futures of Brazil, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Tanzania, and other countries by offering quality education and the creation of safe spaces for girls, as well as mental health support for all young people.
More books about social activism on Headway
Explore the Headway app for more inspiring books like "I Am Malala" addressing education and the positive impact it brings to life. Check out our selection of encouraging reads that inspire audiences to advocate for social justice and personal initiative, such as "Becoming" by Michelle Obama and "Our Time is Now" by Stacey Abrams. Use the Headway app to broaden your perspective and become a passionate advocate for a fairer world empowered by the enduring journey of lifelong learning.
FAQ
How has Malala been recognized globally for her efforts?
In early 2020, Malala was named one of Time Magazine's "100 Women of the Year" and hailed as an activist and leader who defined the century.
How has Malala inspired others to advocate for education?
Malala inspired Syrian woman Mazoun Almellehan, known as "The Malala of Syria," to advocate for keeping girls in school instead of pressuring them to marry early. Mazoun even attended Malala's Nobel Peace Prize Award ceremony.
What national recognition did Malala receive before her global accolades?
Before becoming the youngest Nobel laureate, Malala was awarded Pakistan's National Youth Peace Prize in 2011.
How does the Malala Fund support education worldwide?
The Malala Fund works across borders to unite leaders in many countries. It currently supports its "Education Champions" in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, India, Turkey, Lebanon, Nigeria, and Brazil.
How does Malala challenge traditional perceptions of marriage?
Continuing her parents' initiative to challenge perceptions of Islamic marriage, Malala shared with British Vogue on her wedding day that she "found a best friend and companion" in her husband, Asser.
