Malala Day 2024: Check History, Significance and Why is it Observed?

World Malala Day 2024: July 12 is commemorated as Malala Day across the globe, to honour the youngest Nobel prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai. Malala was born on the same day; it is observed to recognise the battle led by her for equal and accessible universal education. 

Who is Malala Yousafzai?

Malala Yousafzai became a global icon following her infamous resistance against the Taliban for education equality in Pakistan. Malala was born in the Swat District of Pakistan, to Ziauddin Yousafzai and Toor Pekai Yousafzai. Her father was a poet and a school owner.

Yousafzai was inspired by the twice elected, assassinated Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, and advocated for the rights of women's education from a young age. She actively wrote and spoke under her pseudonym Gul Makai about the Taliban's oppression and made education her biggest weapon to oppose the radicalization, peacefully. 

History of Malala Day

On October 9 Malala was shot by Taliban Gunmen in the Swat District on her bus while returning back to school. July 12 marks as an important for many women and young girls across the world fighting for equal rights and education. Despite the attack, Malala miraculously survived and advocated for women's rights even more. On her 16th Birthday, she travelled to New York and addressed the United Nations. She became the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. 

Significance of Malala Day

Malala Day aims to increase awareness and initiatives, that guarantee universal education irrespective of gender and to pay tribute to her bravery. It is a reminder of the unwavering courage and dedication of Malala Yousafzai, and several women like her who break the glass ceiling every day. This day encourages many to fight for themselves and believe that endurance and bravery can spark meaningful change globally.