Childhood
Malala Yousafzai was born in Mingora, Pakistan on July 12, 1997. Her father was a social activist, educator, and founder of the Khushal Girls High School and College. Her mother was illiterate with no formal education. Yousafzai's home was safe and secure, even a tourist destination, until the Taliban invaded the Swat Valley in 2007.
In the fall of 2008, when Yousafzai was only eleven, her father took her to a local press club. There she gave her first speech, which was publicized throughout Pakistan, protesting school closings ("Malala Yousafzai").
In the fall of 2008, when Yousafzai was only eleven, her father took her to a local press club. There she gave her first speech, which was publicized throughout Pakistan, protesting school closings ("Malala Yousafzai").
Malala: Rise to power
In early 2009, Yousafzai began blogging for the BBC under the codename Gul Makai, recording her accounts and experiences about her "life under Taliban rule" ("Malala Yousafzai"). She wrote thirty-five entries between January and March of that year ("Malala Yousafzai"). By December, Pakistan and the world knew the true identity of Gul Makai. Yousafzai began to receive recognition for her activism and threats from the Taliban. Although she was feaful of her safety, Yousafzai continued to fight for women's rights to have a quality education.
February 2009 marked Yousafzai's first television appearance on the current news show Capital Talk. That same year she was apart of two short documentaries, made with New York Times reporter Adam Ellick, about the shutting down of Pakistani schools- Class Dismissed and A School Girl's Odyssey. The summer of 2009, Yousafzai reached out to U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, seeking support and help in her plight to protect the freedom and education of Pakistani girls ("Malala Yousafzai").
February 2009 marked Yousafzai's first television appearance on the current news show Capital Talk. That same year she was apart of two short documentaries, made with New York Times reporter Adam Ellick, about the shutting down of Pakistani schools- Class Dismissed and A School Girl's Odyssey. The summer of 2009, Yousafzai reached out to U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, seeking support and help in her plight to protect the freedom and education of Pakistani girls ("Malala Yousafzai").
Trials and Tribulations
As a young girl, Yousafzai and her family fled from their home and region because of the Taliban and their destructive actions of shutting down schools for girls and plotting suicide bombings.They returned later when the conflict subsided and the Taliban temporarily relaxed their restrictions. However, only a few months later, violence begins again. Yousafzai and her family escaped the Swat Valley for a second time until the Pakistani army is able to push the Taliban out ("Malala Yousafzai").
In the afternoon of early October 2012, Yousafzai was shot by the Taliban on her way home from school. She was quickly flown to England, where she would receive multiple surgeries, on fixing her paralyzed left side of face ("Malala Yousafzai"). Although countries away, the Taliban still threatens Yousafzai's safety.
In the afternoon of early October 2012, Yousafzai was shot by the Taliban on her way home from school. She was quickly flown to England, where she would receive multiple surgeries, on fixing her paralyzed left side of face ("Malala Yousafzai"). Although countries away, the Taliban still threatens Yousafzai's safety.
Her influence and impact
After her shooting, Prime Minister Gordon Brown proposed a petition, that all children around the world would return to school by 2015. Pakistan approved this bill into law, making it the country's first Right to Education bill.
Late 2012, Pakistan's president introduces a $10 million education fund in honor of Yousafzai. Vital Voices Global Partnership also honors Yousafzai's work by establishing the Malala fund ("Malala Yousafzai").
Late 2012, Pakistan's president introduces a $10 million education fund in honor of Yousafzai. Vital Voices Global Partnership also honors Yousafzai's work by establishing the Malala fund ("Malala Yousafzai").
Life after near death
The years after who her shooting were memorable for of Malala. In 2013, she was named one of Time's most influential people and was also nominated (but did not win) the Nobel Peace Prize. That same year, she made her first public appearance since the Taliban attack. Yousafzai spoke to a crowd of five hundred at the United Nations conference in New York City ("Malala Yousazfzai"). A year later, she became the youngest recipient of the Liberty Medal, an award given to strong leaders fighting for freedom around the world. Yousafzai also won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Currently Yousafzai lives in Birmingham, England with her family, where she goes to school and continues to activate for women's rights. Recently, Yousafzai coauthored and released a memoir, I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban.
Currently Yousafzai lives in Birmingham, England with her family, where she goes to school and continues to activate for women's rights. Recently, Yousafzai coauthored and released a memoir, I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban.
Verdict: Is Malala yousafzai a hero?
Malala Yousafzai has put herself in danger and has sacrificed her safety to protect her freedom and the freedom of girls around the world. She knew the costs and consequences of her actions but still persevered with threats from the Taliban. After she was shot, Malala Yousafzai could have quit fighting for justice. However, she used this tragic, horrific situation to move her campaign to a global platform. With this worldwide audience, Malala Yousafzai has continued to fight for women's rights, even though she is still considered a target by the Taliban.
Yousafzai has always used what power she has been given to continue to promote her beliefs. In the beginning of her activism, as a BBC blogger, she was essentially powerless. Then she kept promoting and spreading her ideas publicly, gaining respect and attention. As she gained more power, she used it to do more good.
Yousafzai has pushed aside obstacles, viewing them as minor setbacks and never letting them get in the way of her goals. Not only has her activism bettered her life, but it has helped improve the lives of girls around the globe.
An influential person is not always a hero. However, Yousafzai is an influential hero. Her heroic and honorable actions (fighting for justice in the face of danger) have influenced many others to help Malala in her plight to promote women's rights. Not only is Yousafzai a hero, but she is a role model. People, regardless of age, gender, or the power they possess, can see Malala as an example- someone who stood up for what they believe, helped others, faced obstacles, and has picked themselves back up again.
Yousafzai has always used what power she has been given to continue to promote her beliefs. In the beginning of her activism, as a BBC blogger, she was essentially powerless. Then she kept promoting and spreading her ideas publicly, gaining respect and attention. As she gained more power, she used it to do more good.
Yousafzai has pushed aside obstacles, viewing them as minor setbacks and never letting them get in the way of her goals. Not only has her activism bettered her life, but it has helped improve the lives of girls around the globe.
An influential person is not always a hero. However, Yousafzai is an influential hero. Her heroic and honorable actions (fighting for justice in the face of danger) have influenced many others to help Malala in her plight to promote women's rights. Not only is Yousafzai a hero, but she is a role model. People, regardless of age, gender, or the power they possess, can see Malala as an example- someone who stood up for what they believe, helped others, faced obstacles, and has picked themselves back up again.