Background Information
Malala was born in Pakistan in 1997. In Pakistan, female infants are often times not welcome or wanted because of the strict government and the social and gender standards set by the government. Malala’s father was a teacher and taught Malala many lessons that oftentimes girls and even woman did not have the opportunity to learn. All of this changed however when the Taliban took control of the village she was living in at the time and banned everything from T.V.s to radios, as well as the right for girls to attend school. Malala started to speak out against this act by the government trying to get things resolved and to fight for the rights that woman deserved, however, this just made her a target. At only the age of fifteen, a masked gunman boarded a bus Malala was riding and called out for her. The gunman then proceeded to shoot her in the head. Malala was lucky to survive and woke up ten days later in England with extensive injuries.
The fight did not stop then however, Malala went through months of rehabilitation and recovery before she and her family moved to their new home in the United Kingdom in refuge from the Taliban whom were still seeking Malala. This young girl then had a choice to make, she could keep quiet and be safe or continue to speak out and risk her life. Malala chose to continue in her campaign for women's right to an education and the rights of young girls in middle eastern countries such as Pakistan. Malala and her father went on to start a charity fund for all girls and giving them an equal opportunity for whatever path they may choose. Through the attendance at the University of Oxford, Malala continues to fight for educational rights of women all over. Malala states, “I travel to many countries to meet girls fighting poverty, wars, child marriage and gender discrimination to go to school.” Malala received the Nobel Peace Prize for her great works in women's activism.
The works of Malala now in Women's rights:
Malala has a huge following through the use of social media and through the media and news in general. When her shooting occurred in 2008, this event shook the media and people from all over gathered and banded together to stop this mistreatment and terror. Since then, her following has continued to grow in the case of her having to move from Pakistan in which was her native home because of the threat of death waiting for her there. Malala is now the face of several educational organizations in the middle east that work towards women's right to an education.
Connection to Feminism
The literal definition of feminism is “the advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes,” Malala does just this. Malala’s work through providing education to all girls and aiming for equal rights for women in middle eastern countries has exemplified her sheer determination for these rights. Malala is still working in this area even though she is not currently allowed to be in her home country. She is also currently the head of many organizations in the United States and other foreign countries who are teaming up to fight for the equality of women and their education. She uses media platforms, as well as websites and other organizations to spread the word and support for this movement. Malala does not plan to stop, not even a bullet wound to the head could stop her from advocating for what she believes in.