International Malala Day is observed on July 12 each year to honor the bravery and activism of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani advocate for girls’ education and the youngest person to receive the Nobel Prize. International Malala Day 2023 will be addressing the 10th anniversary of Malala Yousafzai event. This special day was first celebrated in 2013, marking one year since Malala was attacked by the Taliban. She was shot in the head while returning home from school because she had spoken out in support of girls’ right to education.
Despite the attack, Malala survived and became a global champion for education. In 2015, the United Nations officially designated July 12 as International Malala Day. Today, people all over the world celebrate this occasion by organizing events that promote education for girls and women.
World Malala Day 2023 Theme
Malala is an inspirational figure who strongly advocates for women’s rights and education. The theme of fame is prominent in the book “I Am Malala,” highlighting how renowned individuals, like heroes and role models, can either contribute to societal progress or distract from it. Malala Yousafzai embodies courage as she fearlessly confronts hatred and fights for her convictions. Despite the danger posed by the failed assassination attempt she experienced, she remains determined to persist in her cause.
World Malala Day 2023 Significance
When the incident took place, it quickly gained widespread attention on the internet, propelling Malala, the brave survivor, to global fame. Eventually, at the remarkable age of 17, she was bestowed with the Nobel Prize, making her the youngest person ever to receive this prestigious honor. International Malala Day is thus commemorated to pay tribute to Malala herself and all the girls who share her aspirations for education. Regrettably, in many parts of the world, certain societies still impose restrictions or view girls’ education as improper. Unless girls themselves stand up and fight for their rights, this mindset will persist. Consequently, this day serves as a worldwide awareness day, emphasizing the significance of education, particularly for girls, in our lives.
World Malala Day- History
Malala Yousafzai was born on July 12, 1997, in Mingora, Pakistan. In 2007, the Taliban took control of her city and implemented a ban on girls attending school. Despite this, in 2009, Malala started writing for the B.B.C. Urdu, using the platform to advocate for girls’ education.
Tragically, on October 9th, 2012, gunmen from the Taliban targeted Malala, shooting her in the head. However, she survived the attack and, on her 16th birthday, she traveled to New York to address the United Nations, delivering a powerful speech.
Malala’s remarkable efforts did not go unnoticed. In 2013, TIME Magazine recognized her as one of the world’s most influential people. The following year, she was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize. Alongside these prestigious accolades, Malala has also received the United Nations Human Rights Prize and The Liberty Medal.
In 2017, Malala embarked on her studies at Oxford University. Currently residing in Birmingham, she continues her advocacy for women’s empowerment and education.