Malala Yousafzai is the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate in history and has graced the cover of British Vogue. Everyone knows her name, but many facets of her remarkable life remain lesser-known. For instance, she maintains a private Instagram account filled with pictures of the sky. The fresh Oxford graduate—who completed her degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics in 2020—has championed girls' education since being shot by the Taliban in 2012. Now 23, she is an author, founder of the Malala Fund, and a symbol of resilience. Here are seven facts that might surprise you.
Malala Yousafzai Was a Secret BBC Blogger
At age 11, Malala began blogging for the BBC under the pseudonym Gul Makai, detailing life under Taliban rule in Pakistan's Swat Valley. Her diary entries offered a glimpse into the fear and oppression faced by girls who dared to seek education. In 2020, a biographical drama titled Gul Makai was released, retelling her story. Her original blog posts remain accessible online, a testament to her courage even as a child.
She Received a Stellar Education Despite Taliban Threats
When the Taliban seized control of her hometown, they violently suppressed girls' schooling. Malala attended her father Ziauddin Yousafzai's Khushal Public School. In October 2012, she was shot in the head by a masked gunman while on her school bus. After recovering, she moved to Birmingham, England, where she attended Edgbaston High School for Girls and later Lady Margaret Hall at Oxford University. Her academic journey symbolizes the power of education against extremism.
Malala Is Known for Memorable Quotes
Her speeches and writings are filled with inspiring lines. In her memoir I Am Malala, she wrote, 'When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.' At the 2013 UN Youth Takeover, she declared, 'Let us wage a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty, and terrorism, and let us pick up our books and pens. They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one pen, and one book can change the world.' Her words continue to mobilize millions.
She Is Close Friends with Other Gen-Z Activists
Climate activist Greta Thunberg and gun control advocate Emma González are among Malala's inner circle. Greta even visited her at Oxford. Malala told British Vogue, 'I know the power that a young girl carries in her heart when she has a vision and a mission.' These friendships highlight a new generation of leaders united by a passion for justice.
Malala Is Not Keen on Marriage
In a candid interview, Malala questioned the institution of marriage: 'I still don't understand why people have to get married. If you want a person in your life, why do you have to sign marriage papers? Why can't it just be a partnership?' She admitted that until her second year at university, she thought she would never marry or have children. However, she acknowledged personal growth: 'You don't stay the same person. You change and grow.'
She Is a Fan of Twilight
In I Am Malala, she recalls reading Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series as the Taliban invaded her town. The books had such an impact that both she and her friend—then ten years old—'longed to be vampires.' This pop culture affinity humanizes the icon, reminding us that she was once a typical teenager captivated by fantasy.
Malala Loves Comedy
Beyond serious activism, Malala adores television, especially comedy. She is a devoted fan of Ted Lasso, partly because the character's mustache reminds her of her father's. In her free time, she enjoys eating Jamaican curry while watching Rick and Morty. This lighter side reveals a young woman who balances her heavy responsibilities with joy and relaxation.
Malala Yousafzai's life is a tapestry of courage, intellect, and relatability. From her secret blog to her Oxford graduation, she continues to inspire millions to fight for education and equality. Her journey reminds us that even the most extraordinary activists have favorite books, shows, and a desire for normalcy.
Source: Vogue Germany News