Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai was born on July 12, 1997, in Mingora, Pakistan. She grew up in the Swat Valley, an area of Pakistan that was once a popular tourist destination known for its summer festivals. Birth of Malala, known for her impactful activism for girls' education and youngest Nobel Prize laureate.

On January 15, 2009, Malala Yousafzai wrote her first blog entry for BBC Urdu under the pseudonym Gul Makai. In her blog, she advocated for girls education and reported on life under the Taliban who had banned girls from attending school. This was a courageous act under a regime that was suppressive to women's rights.

On October 9, 2012, Malala Yousafzai, while traveling home from school, was shot by a Taliban gunman in an assassination attempt in retaliation for her activism for girls' education. She was hit in the head with a bullet and was in critical condition, later receiving treatment in the UK. This attack garnered widespread international attention and support for Malala.

On her 16th birthday, July 12, 2013, Malala Yousafzai gave a speech at the United Nations calling for worldwide access to education. She emphasized the importance of education for all children and the need to fight against extremism. Her speech marked a significant moment in her global advocacy and was hailed worldwide, often called 'Malala Day'.

On October 8, 2013, the European Parliament awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Malala Yousafzai. This prize is given to individuals or groups who have dedicated their lives to the defense of human rights and freedom of thought, in recognition of her fight for the right to education for all children and women.

On October 10, 2014, Malala Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, shared with Kailash Satyarthi. At 17, she became the youngest ever laureate of the Nobel Prize. The award recognized their struggles against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education. This landmark achievement highlighted her as an enduring leader for international activism.

On July 29, 2015, Malala Yousafzai opened the Malala Fund office in Birmingham, UK. The Malala Fund focuses on advocating for girls' education around the globe and ensuring 12 years of free, safe, quality schooling for girls. This office plays a central role in managing the advocacy efforts and initiatives set forth by the foundation to continue her educational activism.

On April 18, 2017, Malala Yousafzai was designated as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, focusing specifically on education for girls. In this honorary role, she would help raise awareness of the UN's mission and activities and assist in bringing worldwide attention to the rights and education of girls. Her appointment showcased the global recognition of her continuing endeavors for gender equality.

On March 31, 2018, Malala Yousafzai returned to Pakistan for the first time since the attack in 2012. Her return rose significant media attention and symbolized a personal victory against the oppressions faced in the past. During her visit, Malala acknowledged the impact of her work for girls' education, visited her Swat Valley home, and emphasized continued activism within her home country.

On June 19, 2020, Malala Yousafzai graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. She celebrated this milestone, emphasizing the value of educational opportunity and success despite the violent attempt on her life. Her graduation marked another chapter in her journey and highlighted her relentless pursuit of knowledge and advocacy.