Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Prize. Born in Swat Valley, Pakistan in 1997, she was raised with an education by her father, who ran schools and encouraged his daughters to attend them. Despite living in a region where girls’ educational opportunities were limited at best, Malala championed the right to an education even before she became famous.
Early Years and Education
At age 11, Malala began writing for BBC Urdu about life under Taliban rule in the Swat Valley. Her activism led to her being featured on international news programs and earning recognition from world leaders. After surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012, Malala moved to Birmingham, England where she completed her secondary education and earned A levels in English, geography and philosophy. In 2017, she graduated from Oxford University with a degree in philosophy, politics and economics.
Advocacy for Girls’ Education & Human Rights
Since childhood, Malala has been outspoken about her beliefs that every child should have access to quality education. In 2013, she co-founded the Malala Fund, an organization dedicated to giving girls access to 12 years of free, safe and quality primary and secondary education. She also regularly speaks out against discrimination and violence towards women and minorities across the globe.
The Taliban Attack & Recovery Period
In October 2012, when Malala was 15 years old, she was targeted by the Taliban for advocating for girl’s education. While travelling home from school on a bus, masked gunmen boarded the vehicle and shot her in the head. Following multiple surgeries and months of recovery, Malala returned to advocacy work and received support from many high profile individuals including former U.S President Barack Obama.
Awards & Recognition Received by Malala Yousafzai
Malala has been widely recognized for her courageous actions as well as her philanthropic efforts. In 2014, she won the Nobel Peace Prize – becoming its youngest recipient ever at age 17 – and later that same year was awarded the Simone de Beauvoir Prize for Women’s Freedom. Other awards include the International Children’s Peace Prize (2013) and United Nations Person of the Year (2013).
Publications Authored by Malala Yousafzai
Malala published her first book I am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban in 2013 which went on to become a New York Times bestseller. This was followed up with We Are Displaced: My Journey and Stories From Refugee Girls Around the World in 2018 which sheds light on the struggles faced by refugees around the world.
Malala’s Foundations & Causes Supported
The Malala Fund continues to advocate for universal education through scholarships, grants, campaigns and strategic partnerships. It works closely with local organizations to develop solutions tailored to their contexts, invests in technologies such as mobile phone applications that increase access to quality education, and advocates policy changes at the global level. Malala also supports other causes such as refugee rights and poverty alleviation.
Philanthropic Work Done By Malala Yousafzai
Malala has used her platform as a Nobel laureate to promote philanthropy worldwide. She donated $50 million USD of her own funds to help build schools in Pakistan and recently pledged a further $10 million to provide health care services in Syria. As part of this effort, she set up the Gulmakai Network which connects young people working together on social change projects throughout the Middle East.
Interesting Facts about Malala Yousafzai
- Malala was named after Malalai of Maiwand, an Afghan war heroine known for rallying forces against British occupation during the 1880 Battle of Maiwand.
- At 16 years old, she became the youngest person ever to address a UN General Assembly meeting when she gave her speech “We Must All Stand Up For Our Right To Education”.
- She is currently studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford University.
- In 2015, she opened a school for Syrian refugee girls in Lebanon called The Malala Yousafzai All-Girls School.
- She was nominated twice for a Nobel Peace Prize while still in her teens.
- Time Magazine listed her among 100 most influential people of 2013, 2014 and 2015 consecutively.
- On December 10th every year, activists celebrate ‘Malala Day’ worldwide to commemorate her achievements and courage.
Conclusion: What is Malala Yousafzai’s Net Worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth estimates, Malala Yousafzai’s current net worth stands at $9 million USD due largely to proceeds from her books sales as well as speaking engagements around the world. She continues to fight for gender equality and girl’s education through various initiatives spearheaded by both herself personally as well as through the organisations she is associated with like the Malala Fund and Gulmakai Network.