Malala Yousafzai

She fights for girls’ right to go to school.

October 17, 2022

By Rebecca Zissou

Growing up, Malala Yousafzai (muh-LAH-luh yoo-suf-ZAI) loved learning. She dreamed of becoming a doctor. But when she was 10, going to school became very dangerous.

In 2007, a terrorist group called the Taliban took over her hometown in Pakistan. Taliban leaders said girls couldn’t get an education.

Malala didn’t agree with the Taliban. She risked her life to stand up for girls’ right to go to school.

Speaking Out

The Taliban destroyed schools and attacked teachers and students. Many scared parents stopped sending their kids to school. But Malala and some of her classmates continued to go.

In 2009, 11-year-old Malala started writing a blog. She described the dangers she faced because of the Taliban. Malala also spoke on a TV show about the power of going to school.

Malala’s courage made her an inspiration—and a target. Her family received notes demanding that she keep quiet. But Malala refused to stop talking.

An Awful Attack

In 2012, the Taliban tried to silence Malala once and for all. While riding the bus home from school, she was shot and wounded by a Taliban gunman.

To be treated, Malala was flown to the United Kingdom, a country in Europe. Her family soon joined her. Malala spent weeks in the hospital and made a full recovery.

Continuing the Fight

Since then, Malala has traveled around the globe. She speaks out in support of education. In 2013, she and her father started the Malala Fund. That organization helps kids all around the world go to school so they can learn.

Today, Malala still lives in the United Kingdom. She continues to spread her message. She says that everyone has the right to an education.

“One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world,” she said in 2013. “Education is the only solution.”