Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai is one of the world’s most influential advocates for girls’ education and human rights. Today, she is a global voice for courage, equality and the transformative power of education.

Born in Pakistan’s Swat Valley, Yousafzai began speaking out at just 11 years old after the Taliban banned girls from attending school in her hometown. She wrote anonymously for the BBC and spoke publicly about her experiences. Soon, she became a symbol of resistance for millions of girls denied the right to learn.

In 2012, at age 15, Malala Yousafzai survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban when a gunman boarded her school bus and shot her for her activism. Instead of silencing her, the attack sparked a global movement. After recovering in the UK, she returned to the international stage. On her 16th birthday, she delivered a historic speech at the United Nations calling for every child to have access to education.

The following year, she co-founded the Malala Fund. The organisation works with local educators and activists worldwide to ensure girls receive 12 years of free, safe and quality education. Through its work, Yousafzai has helped mobilise governments, philanthropists and global leaders to address the barriers keeping millions of girls out of school.

In 2014, she became the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, recognised for her fearless advocacy and her efforts to secure education for children everywhere.

Today, as Executive Chair of the Malala Fund, Yousafzai works with policymakers, grassroots organisers and international institutions to tackle one of the world’s most urgent challenges: more than 120 million girls remain out of school. She continues to speak out for girls living under conflict, poverty and political repression, including those in Afghanistan whose rights have been severely restricted.

Beyond her advocacy, Malala Yousafzai is also a writer, producer and investor. Through her work across media, leadership and sport, she continues to expand opportunities for women and girls worldwide.