World Malala Day 2023, History, Date, Theme and Significance

World Malala Day

The world observes Malala Day on July 12 every year in honour of Malala Yousafzai, the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Today is also her birthday, which seems appropriate to honour a remarkable young woman who dedicated her life to defending the rights of women and children.

International Malala Day History

On July 12, 1997, Malala Yousafzai was born in Mingora, Pakistan. After seizing control of her city in 2007, the Taliban imposed a prohibition on girls attending school. Despite this, Malala began writing for the B.B.C. Urdu in 2009 and used the outlet to promote females’ education.

Tragically, on October 9, 2012, Malala was shot in the head by Taliban terrorists who had targeted her. But she pulled through the attack, and on her 16th birthday, she went to New York to speak before the UN, giving a stirring speech.

Malala’s outstanding achievements were not ignored. She was named one of the most important people in the world by TIME Magazine in 2013. She received the Nobel Peace Prize the following year. Malala has also won the Liberty Medal and the United Nations Human Rights Prize in addition to these esteemed honours. Malala started her studies at Oxford University in 2017. She continues to advocate for women’s education and empowerment while living in Birmingham.

World Malala Day 2023 Theme

Malala is a role model who fervently supports women’s rights and education. In the book “I Am Malala,” the issue of fame is significant, emphasising how well-known people, such as heroes and role models, may either advance society or impede it. Malala Yousafzai is the epitome of bravery because she bravely faces prejudice and stands up for what she believes in. Despite the threat posed by the aborted assassination attempt she witnessed, she is adamant about continuing to advance her cause.

World Malala Day Significance

Immediately after the tragedy, it received a lot of online attention, making Malala, the courageous survivor, famous all over the world. In the end, she was awarded the Nobel Prize at the astounding age of 17, making her the youngest person to ever earn this illustrious honour. In order to honour Malala and all the girls who share her desire for education, International Malala Day is observed.

Unfortunately, some communities continue to impose limits or consider females’ education to be unsuitable in many parts of the world. This attitude will endure unless females themselves speak up and fight for their rights. So, this day acts as a global awareness day that highlights the value of education, especially for females, in our lives.

Why do we celebrate Malala Day?

Malala Yousafzai, a 16-year-old activist from Pakistan, made an impactful address at the UN headquarters on July 12, 2013. She urged international leaders to modify their policies during her speech, which was centred on ensuring that women everywhere have access to education.

Given that it was Malala Yousafzai’s birthday and that her speech had received widespread acclaim, the UN swiftly decided that day to be observed as “Malala Day” in her honour.

Who is Malala Yousafzai?

On July 12, 1997, in Mingora, Pakistan—which is located in the SWAT District of Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province—Malala Yousafzai was born to Ziauddin and Toor Pekai Yousafzai. Her father was a dedicated teacher and social activist. He founded a school on his own. But after the Taliban took over the town, girls were forbidden from attending school. Under an assumed name, Malala began blogging for the BBC in 2009 and discussed the rising military presence in her hometown. Malala and her father continued to advocate for the right to education in public even after their identities were made known.

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