Malala Yousafzai is a globally renowned Pakistani education activist, human rights advocate, and the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. She rose to international fame as a teenager after surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012 for championing girls’ education in her native Swat Valley, Pakistan. Her powerful voice and fearless advocacy have transformed her from a local blogger into one of the most influential activists of the 21st century.
Born into a progressive family of educators, Malala began speaking out for girls’ right to education at a very young age. Her anonymous blog for the BBC Urdu service under the pseudonym “Gul Makai” gave the world a raw glimpse into life under Taliban occupation. Despite receiving threats, Malala continued to raise her voice until the fateful day she was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman while returning home from school.
After months of recovery in the UK, Malala emerged stronger and more determined than ever. She co-authored the international bestseller I Am Malala, founded the Malala Fund, and became a global advocate for girls’ education, speaking at the United Nations and engaging with world leaders to promote policies that empower girls. In 2014, she became the youngest Nobel Laureate at just 17 years old.
Now an Oxford University graduate, Malala continues her mission to ensure every girl has access to 12 years of free, quality education. With her unique blend of courage, intellect, and compassion, Malala Yousafzai has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and change.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name | Malala Yousafzai |
|---|---|
| Other/Nickname | Gul Makai (used in early BBC blog) |
| Profession/Occupation | Activist, Author, Public Speaker |
| Birthplace | Mingora, Swat Valley, Pakistan |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Age | 28 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | July 12, 1997 |
| Hometown | Birmingham, UK (residence); Swat |
| Caste/Religion | Sunni Muslim |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Cancer |
| Current career status | Active in advocacy and education work |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) | 161 cm (5’3″) |
|---|---|
| Weight (Kilograms) | Approx. 55 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not Publicly Available |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Father’s name | Ziauddin Yousafzai |
|---|---|
| Mother’s name | Toor Pekai Yousafzai |
| Brother’s name | Khushal Yousafzai, Atal Yousafzai |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Boyfriend | N/A |
|---|---|
| Dating | N/A |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse/Husband | Asser Malik (m. 2021) |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School | Edgbaston High School, Birmingham |
|---|---|
| College/ University | University of Oxford (Lady Margaret Hall) |
| Educational Qualification | BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) |
Controversies
Though Malala is admired worldwide, she has faced criticism from some conservative groups in Pakistan who view her advocacy as Western propaganda. Others have debated her influence, accusing global institutions of spotlighting her story while ignoring other local activists. Nonetheless, Malala has consistently responded to criticism with grace and focused on her mission without engaging in divisive discourse.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food | Pakistani cuisine, especially chapli kebabs |
|---|---|
| Favorite Movie | He Named Me Malala (documentary) |
| Favorite Actor | Shah Rukh Khan |
| Favorite Actress | Angelina Jolie (also a humanitarian) |
| Favorite Color | Blue |
| Favorite Designer | Elan (Pakistani brand) |
| Favorite Destination | Swat Valley, Pakistan |
| Favorite Cafe | Unknown |
| Favorite Daily Wear Brand | Modest fashion brands |
| Favorite Book | The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho |
| Favorite Athlete | Serena Williams |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary | Varies per appearance and speaking engagement |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated around $2 million (2025) |
Contact Information
| Official Website | www.malala.org |
|---|---|
| E-Mail Address | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Phone Number | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| House Address | Birmingham, United Kingdom |
Social Media
| Wikipedia | Malala Yousafzai |
|---|---|
| @Malala | |
| facebook.com/MalalaFund | |
| @malala |
Personal quote:
“One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.”
Early Life and Career:
Malala Yousafzai was born on July 12, 1997, in the Swat Valley of Pakistan, a region that once brimmed with natural beauty and rich cultural heritage but later fell under Taliban control. Raised by progressive parents, especially her father Ziauddin, an outspoken educator and activist, Malala was exposed to advocacy from an early age.
At just 11 years old, she began blogging for the BBC Urdu service under a pseudonym, sharing her experiences living under Taliban rule, where girls were banned from attending school. Her writings drew global attention for their courage and clarity. However, her rising voice was met with deadly opposition. On October 9, 2012, a Taliban gunman boarded her school bus and shot her in the head. Against all odds, Malala survived and was flown to the UK for treatment.
Her recovery was nothing short of miraculous. Rather than retreat from public life, she stepped fully into her role as an international advocate. In 2013, she co-authored I Am Malala, and a year later, she became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate. She also established the Malala Fund to champion girls’ education worldwide.
Current life/Events:
Malala remains a powerful voice in global education and women’s rights advocacy. In 2021, she graduated from Oxford University and married Asser Malik, a Pakistani entrepreneur and cricket official. She continues to travel the world, meeting leaders, students, and activists to promote education equity.
Her production company, Extracurricular, launched in partnership with Apple TV+, aims to bring underrepresented voices to the screen. Most recently, she executive produced the Oscar-shortlisted documentary Stranger at the Gate.
Facts:
- Malala was named after Malalai of Maiwand, a famous Pashtun poet and warrior woman.
- She was on the cover of Time magazine three times before she turned 21.
- Beyoncé, Barack Obama, and Emma Watson have all publicly praised Malala.
- Malala loves cricket and supports the Pakistan national team.
- She became a UN Messenger of Peace at just 19 years old.
- Her favorite school subject was physics.
- She’s the first Pashtun girl from Pakistan to attend Oxford University.
- Malala keeps a daily journal and still writes poetry.
- She has her own podcast, Malala’s World, where she interviews change-makers.
- Malala’s wedding was a simple nikkah ceremony held in Birmingham with close family.
