History of Malala Yousafzai in Timeline
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist known for her advocacy for female education. At 17, she became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate for her work in promoting girls' schooling in Swat Valley, Pakistan, where the Taliban had imposed bans. Yousafzai's advocacy has since expanded globally, establishing her as a prominent voice for human rights and education, particularly for girls and children.
July 1997: Birth of Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai was born in July 1997 in Mingora, Swat District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. She is the eldest child of her parents, Ziauddin and Toor Pekai Yousafzai. She was named after Malalai of Maiwand, a famous Pashtun poet and warrior woman.
July 1997: Malala Yousafzai is Born
Malala Yousafzai was born in July 1997 in the Swat District of Pakistan. She is the daughter of Ziauddin Yousafzai and Toor Pekai Yousafzai.
September 2008: Early Advocacy for Education Rights
Malala Yousafzai began speaking publicly about education rights as early as September 2008. Her father took her to Peshawar, where she spoke at the local press club, challenging the Taliban's attempts to restrict girls' access to education.
2008: Blogging Anonymously for the BBC
In late 2008, Malala Yousafzai, at the age of 11, started blogging anonymously for BBC Urdu under the pen name "Gul Makai." Her blog posts provided a firsthand account of life in Swat Valley under Taliban rule, shedding light on the challenges faced by girls seeking education.
January 2009: The Pakistani Taliban Destroys Schools, Malala Writes About It
In January 2009, Malala wrote about the Pakistani Taliban's destruction of several local schools, expressing her concern over the situation and her interrupted studies due to the Taliban's edict.
January 2009: Taliban's Edict on Girls' Education
On January 15, 2009, the Pakistani Taliban in Swat issued an edict prohibiting girls from attending school. Malala Yousafzai's blog entries from this time reflected the escalating tensions and restrictions imposed on girls' education in the region.
January 2009: First Blog Post Published by the BBC
On January 3, 2009, Malala Yousafzai's first blog entry, written under the pseudonym "Gul Makai," was published on the BBC Urdu website. Her blog documented her experiences living under Taliban rule in Swat Valley, providing a unique perspective on the conflict's impact on daily life, particularly for girls and their education.
February 2009: Girls' Schools Remain Closed, Malala Witnesses Deserted Streets
In February 2009, with girls' schools still closed, Malala and her brother returned to a deserted Mingora. She wrote about the "eerie silence" and closed shops, highlighting the impact of the Taliban's presence.
March 2009: Malala Completes Science Paper, Notes Reduced Taliban Presence
Malala wrote about her good performance on a science paper in March 2009. She also noted that the Taliban's vehicle searches had decreased, suggesting a shift in their activities. Her blog ended on March 12, 2009.
July 2009: Malala's Family Returns Home, She Pleads with Richard Holbrooke for Education Support
In July 2009, Malala's family returned home after the Pakistani military pushed the Taliban back. Before returning, Malala met with Richard Holbrooke, pleading for support in restoring education in the region.
August 2009: Malala Gains Recognition, Appears on Television and Advocates for Education
Malala's public profile grew in August 2009 as she gave interviews on national television and advocated for female education.
December 2009: Malala's BBC Blogging Identity Revealed
By December 2009, Malala Yousafzai's identity as the author of the BBC blog was revealed in articles, further increasing her public profile.
2009: Joining the Open Minds Pakistan Youth Programme
In 2009, Malala Yousafzai joined the Institute for War and Peace Reporting's Open Minds Pakistan youth program as a trainee and later as a peer educator. The program aimed to empower students to address social issues through journalism, debate, and dialogue.
2010: Malala Chairs District Child Assembly
From 2009 to 2010, Malala Yousafzai served as the chair of the District Child Assembly of the Khpal Kor Foundation, demonstrating her commitment to youth empowerment and education.
October 2011: Malala Nominated for International Children's Peace Prize
Archbishop Desmond Tutu nominated Malala for the International Children's Peace Prize in October 2011, making her the first Pakistani girl to receive this nomination.
December 2011: Malala Awarded Pakistan's National Youth Peace Prize
In December 2011, Malala Yousafzai was awarded Pakistan's first National Youth Peace Prize, recognizing her advocacy for female education and peaceful resistance.
2011: Malala Receives Training from Aware Girls
In 2011, Malala Yousafzai received training from Aware Girls, a local girls' empowerment organization. The training focused on women's rights, empowerment, and peaceful opposition to radicalization through education.
2011: Pakistan's National Youth Peace Prize
Malala Yousafzai's activism for education rights earned her recognition and awards. In 2011, she received Pakistan's first National Youth Peace Prize.
October 2012: Malala Shows Signs of Recovery, Undergoes Surgery
By October 17, 2012, Malala had emerged from her coma and was responding well to treatment. She underwent surgery on November 11 to repair a facial nerve, marking a positive step in her recovery process.
October 2012: Islamic Clerics Issue Fatwā Against Taliban Gunmen Who Attacked Malala
In October 2012, a group of Islamic clerics in Pakistan issued a fatwā against the Taliban gunmen who attempted to kill Malala Yousafzai and her classmates, condemning the attack and refuting any religious justification for it.
October 2012: UN Special Envoy Visits Yousafzai, Launches Petition for Education
In October 2012, former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, serving as the UN Special Envoy for Global Education, visited Malala Yousafzai in the hospital following the attack on her. He launched a petition in her name advocating for education for all children, using the slogan "I am Malala."
October 2012: Malala Moved to Military Hospital, International Treatment Considered
On October 11, 2012, given the severity of her injuries, Malala Yousafzai was moved to the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology in Rawalpindi. Discussions about transferring her to Germany for specialized treatment were underway.
October 2012: Targeted Attack by the Taliban
On October 9, 2012, Malala Yousafzai was critically injured when a Taliban gunman shot her while she was on a bus in Swat District. The attack was in retaliation for her activism for girls' education.
October 2012: Malala Shot by the Taliban
On October 9, 2012, while on a bus returning home from school, 15-year-old Malala Yousafzai was shot by a Taliban gunman. She was targeted for her activism in promoting girls' education. Two other girls were also injured in the attack.
November 2012: Mullah Fazlullah's Location Confirmed
In November 2012, US sources confirmed that Mullah Fazlullah, the cleric who ordered the attack on Yousafzai, was in hiding in eastern Afghanistan.
November 2012: Edelman and McKinsey Provide Pro Bono Support to Yousafzai
Starting in November 2012, consulting firm Edelman offered pro bono assistance to Malala Yousafzai, setting up a press office to manage her public image. McKinsey also continued to provide support, highlighting the corporate world's recognition of her impactful story.
2012: Malala Faces Increased Threats from the Taliban
As Malala's recognition grew, she faced escalating threats from the Taliban, including death threats published in newspapers, sent to her home, and posted on social media. The Taliban leadership ultimately decided to kill her.
2012: Malala Plans Malala Education Foundation, Attends Marxist Summer School, and Draws Inspiration from Notable Figures
In 2012, Malala made plans to establish the Malala Education Foundation to support girls' education. She also attended the International Marxist Tendency National Marxist Summer School and cited Barack Obama, Benazir Bhutto, and Abdul Ghaffar Khan as inspirations for her activism.
January 2013: Malala Discharged from Hospital, Continues Rehabilitation
After months of treatment, Malala was discharged from the hospital in January 2013 to continue her rehabilitation at home in the West Midlands, United Kingdom.
January 2013: International Recognition and Support
By January 2013, Malala Yousafzai became an internationally recognized symbol of the struggle for education rights, particularly for girls. Her story resonated globally, sparking widespread support and condemnation of the Taliban's actions.
March 2013: Yousafzai Attends Edgbaston High School
Malala Yousafzai became a student at Edgbaston High School, an all-girls school in Birmingham, in March 2013.
July 2013: Gordon Brown Supports Yousafzai's UN Appearance and Charity Fund
Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown played a pivotal role in arranging Malala Yousafzai's address at the United Nations in July 2013. He also facilitated support for her charity fund, which received backing from Angelina Jolie, and involved Shiza Shahid and Megan Smith in leadership roles.
July 2013: Yousafzai Addresses the United Nations
Malala Yousafzai delivered a powerful address at the United Nations in July 2013, advocating for education and girls' rights.
July 2013: Malala Yousafzai's 16th Birthday Speech at the UN
On July 2013, Malala Yousafzai delivered her first public speech since the attack on her by the Taliban. She spoke at the UN, calling for worldwide access to education on her 16th birthday. The UN named the event "Malala Day".
October 2013: Publication of "I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban"
In October 2013, Malala Yousafzai's memoir, "I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban," co-written with Christina Lamb, was published. The book received positive reviews, with critics praising Yousafzai's courage and message while noting the sometimes "stiff" writing style.
October 2013: Appearance on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
On October 2013, 16 year old Malala Yousafzai made her first major late night appearance on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart to promote her book, I Am Malala. During the show, Yousafzai, Stewart discussed her assassination attempt, human rights, and women's education.
2013: Founding the Malala Fund and Receiving the Sakharov Prize
After recovering from the attack, in 2013, Malala co-founded the Malala Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting girls' education. In the same year, she was awarded the Sakharov Prize, recognizing her commitment to human rights.
2013: Attending Edgbaston High School
From 2013 to 2017, Malala Yousafzai completed her secondary education at Edgbaston High School in Birmingham, England.
July 2014: Malala's Facial Nerve Shows Significant Recovery
In July 2014, Malala shared that her facial nerve had recovered up to 96%, a testament to her resilience and the effectiveness of her treatment.
July 2014: Yousafzai Speaks at the Girl Summit
Malala Yousafzai was a speaker at the Girl Summit held in London in July 2014, where she continued her advocacy for girls' rights and education.
September 2014: Attackers Identified and Apprehended
In September 2014, Pakistani authorities revealed that the 10 attackers who targeted Malala Yousafzai belonged to a militant group called "Shura." All members were apprehended following the arrest and interrogation of the first member, Israrur Rehman.
October 2014: Yousafzai Donates to UNRWA for Gaza School Reconstruction
Demonstrating her commitment to education, Malala Yousafzai donated $50,000 to the UNRWA in October 2014. The funds were allocated to support the rebuilding of schools in the Gaza Strip.
October 2014: Nobel Peace Prize Award
In October 2014, at age 17, Malala Yousafzai became the youngest Nobel laureate after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. She shared the prize with Kailash Satyarthi for their advocacy for children's rights and education. This made her the second Pakistani to ever receive a Nobel Prize, the first being Abdus Salam in 1979.
2014: Nobel Ceremony Interruption
During Malala Yousafzai's Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony in 2014, a Mexican asylum seeker, Adán Cortés, interrupted to protest the 2014 Iguala mass kidnapping in Mexico. Yousafzai expressed sympathy, acknowledging the global struggles faced by young people.
2014: Yousafzai's Stance on Feminism
In 2014, Malala Yousafzai clarified that she did not identify as a feminist during the Forbes Under 30 Summit.
2014: Yousafzai Expresses Political Aspirations, Inspired by Benazir Bhutto
In 2014, Malala Yousafzai expressed her desire to return to Pakistan and potentially pursue a career in politics, even considering running for prime minister. She drew inspiration from Benazir Bhutto's leadership.
2014: Release of Children's Edition of "I Am Malala"
In 2014, a children's edition of Malala Yousafzai's memoir, titled "I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World," was published.
2014: Youngest Nobel Prize Laureate
In 2014, at the age of 17, Malala Yousafzai became the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate when she received the Nobel Peace Prize for her work as an education activist.
2014: Nobel Peace Prize Co-recipient
Malala Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, alongside Kailash Satyarthi, for their fight against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education.
April 2015: Sentences and Controversial Acquittals in Yousafzai Attack
In April 2015, ten men were sentenced to life imprisonment for their involvement in the attack on Malala Yousafzai. However, it was later revealed that eight of them, including the alleged mastermind, had been acquitted in a secret trial due to lack of evidence. This sparked controversy and raised questions about the handling of the case.
June 2015: Yousafzai Condemns Rohingya Persecution
In June 2015, the Malala Fund released a statement on behalf of Yousafzai condemning the persecution of the Rohingya people in Myanmar. She called for their recognition as citizens and urged world leaders to take action against the injustice.
July 2015: Yousafzai Opens School for Syrian Refugees
On her 18th birthday in July 2015, Malala Yousafzai inaugurated a school in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, close to the Syrian border. Funded by the Malala Fund, the school aimed to provide education and training to Syrian refugee girls aged 14 to 18.
August 2015: Yousafzai Excels in GCSE Exams
Malala Yousafzai achieved outstanding results in her GCSE exams in August 2015, receiving 6 A*s and 4 As.
2015: Documentary "He Named Me Malala" Released
"He Named Me Malala," a documentary about Malala Yousafzai, was released in 2015 and was subsequently shortlisted for an Academy Award.
2015: Second Appearance on The Daily Show
In 2015, Jon Stewart invited Malala Yousafzai back on the Daily Show, citing her as an "incredible person" and an "inspiration." This appearance followed the 2015 Charleston Church Shooting, and Stewart chose to forgo jokes and instead have a meaningful conversation with Yousafzai.
2015: Subject of the Documentary "He Named Me Malala"
In 2015, a documentary film titled "He Named Me Malala" was released. The film tells the story of Malala Yousafzai, her advocacy for girls' education, and the aftermath of the Taliban's attack on her.
2015: Taliban Gunman Identified, Remains At Large
In 2015, the Taliban gunman who shot Malala Yousafzai remained at large, potentially hiding in Afghanistan. He was identified as Atta Ullah Khan, a chemistry graduate student.
2015: Yousafzai Embraces Feminism After Watson's UN Speech
Malala Yousafzai shared in 2015 that Emma Watson's impactful UN speech launching the HeForShe campaign inspired her to embrace the term "feminist."
2015: Banning of "I Am Malala" and Conspiracy Theories
Malala Yousafzai's autobiography "I Am Malala" was banned by the All Pakistan Private Schools Federation (APPSF) in 2015. The APPSF president, Mirza Kashif Ali, accused Yousafzai of attacking the Pakistan Armed Forces and promoting secular education. Conspiracy theories circulated, accusing her of staging the attack or being a CIA agent. She is viewed as a "Western agent" by some Pakistanis, while others see her as courageous.
December 2016: Yousafzai Interviews at Oxford University
In December 2016, Malala Yousafzai had an interview at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University, as part of her application process.
2016: Appearance in "Zoolander 2"
Malala Yousafzai was depicted in the 2016 film "Zoolander 2" in a fictionalized portrayal.
July 2017: Yousafzai Completes Edgbaston High School
Malala Yousafzai completed her studies at Edgbaston High School in Birmingham in July 2017.
August 2017: Yousafzai Accepted to Oxford University
Malala Yousafzai's application to study Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at Oxford University was successful, and she received her acceptance in August 2017.
September 2017: Yousafzai Criticizes Aung San Suu Kyi's Silence on Rohingya Crisis
During a speech in Oxford in September 2017, Malala Yousafzai addressed the Rohingya crisis, criticizing Aung San Suu Kyi's silence on the matter and calling for government intervention to address the human rights violations.
October 2017: Publication of "Malala's Magic Pencil"
Malala Yousafzai's picture book, "Malala's Magic Pencil," illustrated by Kerascoët, was published in October 2017. The book received positive reviews for its message and illustrations.
2017: Sales Milestone for "I Am Malala"
By 2017, "I Am Malala" had sold nearly two million copies, with an additional 750,000 copies of the children's edition in print.
2017: Completing Secondary Education
In 2017, Malala Yousafzai completed her secondary school education at Edgbaston High School in Birmingham, England.
2017: "Speak Out" Song Release
In 2017, a song titled "Speak Out", by Kate Whitley, was commissioned by BBC Radio 3 and broadcast on International Women's Day. The lyrics for the song were taken from Yousafzai's 2013 UN speech.
2017: Honorary Canadian Citizenship and Address to Parliament
Malala Yousafzai was granted honorary Canadian citizenship in 2017, making her the youngest person to address the House of Commons of Canada. Her speech focused on education, human rights, and global citizenship.
March 2018: Sales Milestone for "Malala's Magic Pencil"
By March 2018, "Malala's Magic Pencil" had sold over 5,000 copies in the UK.
March 2018: Announcement of "We Are Displaced: True Stories of Refugee Lives"
In March 2018, Malala Yousafzai announced her next book, "We Are Displaced: True Stories of Refugee Lives," a collection of stories about refugees, including her own experiences.
March 2018: Return to Pakistan
In March 2018, Malala Yousafzai returned to Pakistan for the first time since surviving the Taliban's attack. She met with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and delivered a speech expressing her dream of returning without fear. She also visited her hometown, Mingora, in Swat District.
March 2018: Interview on "My Next Guest Needs No Introduction"
In March 2018, Malala Yousafzai was interviewed by David Letterman on his Netflix show, "My Next Guest Needs No Introduction." She discussed the Taliban, attributing their misogyny to a superiority complex and the misinterpretation of Islam. She also stated that she forgave her attackers.
June 2018: Mullah Fazlullah Killed in US-Afghan Airstrike
Mullah Fazlullah, who had ordered the attack on Malala Yousafzai, was killed in a joint US-Afghan airstrike in June 2018.
September 2018: Scheduled Publication of "We Are Displaced"
"We Are Displaced: True Stories of Refugee Lives" was initially scheduled for publication on September 4, 2018.
2018: Yousafzai Shifts Focus from Political Office
By 2018, Malala Yousafzai's perspective on pursuing political office had shifted. After engaging with global leaders, she recognized the complexities of politics and expressed a preference for alternative avenues to create positive change.
January 2019: Publication of "We Are Displaced"
"We Are Displaced: True Stories of Refugee Lives" was published in January 2019.
August 2019: Advocacy for Kashmiri Children's Education
Following the Indian government's revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status in August 2019, Malala Yousafzai appealed to the UN to ensure the safe return of Kashmiri children to school. Her comments sparked criticism in India, with accusations of promoting a "Pakistani agenda", while some in Pakistan criticized her response as being delayed.
February 2020: Greta Thunberg Meets Yousafzai at Oxford
Climate change activist Greta Thunberg visited Oxford University in February 2020 and met with Malala Yousafzai.
June 2020: Yousafzai Graduates from Oxford University
Malala Yousafzai successfully completed her PPE degree at Oxford University and graduated with honors in June 2020.
2020: Graduating from Oxford University
Malala Yousafzai graduated from Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE).
2020: Release of "Gul Makai"
The Hindi-language biographical film "Gul Makai," depicting the life of Malala Yousafzai, was released in 2020.
July 2021: Plea for Peace in Afghanistan
In July 2021, as the Taliban advanced in Afghanistan, Malala Yousafzai urged the international community to call for a ceasefire and provide humanitarian aid to Afghan civilians.
August 2021: Concerns for Women's Rights in Afghanistan
Following the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in August 2021, Malala Yousafzai voiced her concerns for the future of women's rights in Afghanistan, fearing the loss of social and educational advancements made over the previous two decades.
November 2021: Marriage to Asser Malik
Malala Yousafzai married Asser Malik, a manager with the Pakistan Cricket Board, in Birmingham in November 2021.
2021: Malala Yousafzai's Perspective on Marriage
Prior to her own marriage in 2021, Malala Yousafzai expressed that while she had not been against marriage, she had concerns about child marriage, forced marriage, and unequal marriages. After marrying Asser Malik, she expressed that she felt she had found a partner who understood her values.
March 2022: Advocacy for Women's Clothing Choices
On March 7, 2022, Malala Yousafzai advocated for women's right to choose their own attire, regardless of societal pressures.
October 7, 2023: Criticism for Silence on Gaza-Israel Conflict
Since the start of the Gaza Israel conflict on October 7, 2023, Malala has faced criticism for not speaking out against Israel's actions in Gaza. She was particularly criticized for co-producing a Broadway musical with Hillary Clinton, who had rejected calls for a ceasefire. Yousafzai later reiterated her support for the people of Gaza and called for a ceasefire.
2023: Inspiration for "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" Character
A character inspired by Malala Yousafzai, Spider-UK, appeared in the 2023 animated film "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," voiced by Sofia Barclay. The character was praised for embodying Yousafzai's real-life courage and integrity.
2023: Honorary Fellow at Linacre College, Oxford
In 2023, Malala Yousafzai returned to Oxford University to become the youngest-ever Honorary Fellow at Linacre College.
