Home > Facts > Biography Facts > MalalaYousafzai Facts

MalalaYousafzai Facts

MalalaYousafzai Facts
MalalaYousafzai is a female activist from Pakistan who became known worldwide after being shot by the Taliban in 2012 in retaliation for her work demanding that girls be entitled to an education. She was born July 12, 1997 in Mingora, Swat, Pakistan, to ToorPekaiYousafzai and ZiauddinYousafzai, a Sunni Muslim family. She was named Malala after a famous Pashtun poet and warrior woman. In 2008 Malala was already speaking about education rights, and a year later she was trainee and peer educator in the Open Minds Pakistan youth program in the Institute for War and Peace Reporting.
Interesting MalalaYousafzai Facts:
Malala means 'grief-stricken'.
In 2009 Malala began blogging anonymously about her life growing up under the Taliban's rule. She was 11 years old and was aware how dangerous this would be. Her pseudonym was GulMakai.
When Malala began blogging the Taliban had banned women from shopping, girls' education, and also banned music and television in the Swat Valley.
The Taliban blew up hundreds of girls' schools to put a stop to their education.
Malala's blog ended on March 12, 2009. She had returned to school as the Taliban had been permitting girls to return.
A New York Times reporter approach Malala and her father about filming a documentary after the blog ended. Fighting began again in May and Malala was separated from her father and sent to live in the countryside.
The Taliban threatened Malala's father after criticizing militants at a press conference.
In July it was announced that it was safe to return home.
Malala became more and more recognized and was an active user on Facebook. She began to get threats on social media.
The Taliban held a meeting in 2012 and agreed to murder Malala.
On October 9, 2012, Malala was shot in the head by the Taliban on a bus after taking an exam. She was only 15.
The bullet entered her head and neck and then lodged in her shoulder near her spinal cord. A five hour operation saved her life.
On October 17, 2012 Malala came out of her coma in a hospital in Birmingham, England where she had been transported for care.
On November 8 a photograph was taken with Malala sitting up in bed.
On January 3rd Malala was discharged to recover in the Midlands with her family.
On Feb 2 Malala had reconstructive skull surgery.
As a result of the attempted murder of Malala, more than 2 million people signed the petition for the Right to Education campaign. It led to the first Right to Education bill in Pakistan being ratified.
July 12, 2013 was dubbed Malala Day - her 16th birthday. On this day Malala spoke at the UN to call for access to education worldwide.
MalalaYousafzai was awarded the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize for her activism (co-recipient). She was 17 at the time and is the youngest Nobel laureate.
MalalaYousafzai has been awarded many honors around the world and continues to advocate for children and access to education, and women's rights.


Related Links:
Facts
Biography Facts
Animals Facts