An extraordinary individual that has overcome some of the biggest challenges a human-being could ever face, Malala Yousafzai is Pakistani activist for female education and founder of the Malala Fund. She is also the youngest ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
The incomparable Malala, developed an interest in humanitarian work from a young age. However it was not until herself and two other girls were shot by a member of the Taliban, on a bus on the way to school, that Malala’s life changed forever.
After being in critical condition for a number of days, Malala was eventually moved to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, UK, where her condition improved. The news of her condition and the ordeal that she had been put through sparked an international outpouring of support for Malala. However, the Taliban were quick to respond with a possible plan of a second assassination, to finish the job of the first Taliban gunman.
Against all odds, Malala recovered and became a prominent activist, fighting for young women and girls in similar situations like herself, that are being denied a formal education because of social, economic, legal and political factors. This is when Malala decided to set up a non-profit organisation, the Malala Fund, with the aim to help support, fight and raise funding for young women and girl’s right to an education.
Often regarded as one of the most prominent female activists in the world, Malala went on to co-author an international best-selling book, I am Malala, in 2013. She became the first Pakistanian to ever win the 2012 National Youth Peace Prize and the 2013 Sakharov Prize, before becoming the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.
As a result of her inspiring story, charitable work and passion for female rights, Malala is known to be one of the most influential people in the world. Her story of bravery, determination and overcoming all odds after being shot by the Taliban is enough to inspire anyone.
