In connection with this inquiry, it is essential to recount the story of Malala, which embodies an enduring narrative of resilience and steadfastness in combating the inequalities prevalent in a patriarchal society.
Malala Yousafzai, born on July 12, 1997, in Mingora, Pakistan, grew up in a non-conformist family that placed great emphasis on her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai. He was determined to provide her with a life filled with love and treated her with equality, defying the societal norms of a patriarchal system. Ziauddin's dedication to education was deeply ingrained, as he followed in his own father's footsteps, who was also passionate about the pursuit of knowledge. Ziauddin worked in the field of education and served as a teacher in a network of girls' schools.
However, everything changed in 2008 when the Taliban invaded Malala's village. At the tender age of 11, she bid farewell to her classmates, uncertain of when or if she would ever see them again. The extremist politics that gripped the Swat Valley resulted in unfortunate consequences, with numerous activities deemed forbidden. Simple pleasures like watching television or listening to music were no longer acceptable and faced severe penalties if violated.
In an act of bravery, at the age of 15, Malala delivered a speech advocating for human rights and women's right to education, expressing her discontent with the Taliban's laws. This courageous act marked her as a target for elimination, yet set now a clear day of Malala's Day marking it as the day of the turntable speech and her birthday.
In October 2012, a masked assailant boarded a school bus in search of Malala. In a futile attempt, he aimed a gun at her head, but fortunately missed and struck her left side instead.
Subsequently, Malala was transported to the United Kingdom, where she underwent life-saving surgery. Upon awakening from a coma, she had already gained recognition in the country as an advocate for human rights.
She proceeded to establish the Malala Fund, a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting women's rights to education. In December 2014, Malala herself received the Nobel Peace Prize, becoming the youngest-ever Nobel laureate. Furthermore, in 2020, she graduated from Oxford University with a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics.
Malala remains resolute in her determination to effect change in the world, with her ongoing fight for equality and education continuing to prevail.
Dominika Sówka
Dominika is a Polish praxis volunteer involved in the International Malala Day