The Big Picture - Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai became inter­nationally known through her online diary which showcased her views on education and her desire to remain at school in the Taliban-controlled area where she lived. She was only 11 years old when her anonymous diary was published on BBC Urdu between January and March 2009, written under a pseudonym, Gul Makai.  As her writing became well-known, she rose to prominence and even confronted the US special envoy to the region, encouraging him to do something about the situation for women who want an education. It was this view that led to threats against her and her family by the Taliban for ‘promoting secular education.’ This led to her shooting in October 2012. After receiving treatment in the UK, she rose to global fame, speaking to the UN, being named one of Time’s most influential people, and being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

IN HER OWN WORDS  

‘One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.’  

‘When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.’  

‘I believe it’s a woman’s right to decide what she wants to wear and if a woman can go to the beach and wear nothing, then why can’t she wear everything?’  

‘I speak not for myself but for those without voice... those who have fought for their rights... their right to live in peace, their right to be treated with dignity, their right to equality of opportunity, their right to be educated.’

AS WITH ANY BIG AWARD, PLENTY OF PEOPLE HAD THEIR SAY. HERE ARE SOME NOTABLE TWEETS:

AS ALWAYS, SOME PEOPLE TRIED TO RUIN IT:

WHILE NAOMI CAMPBELL GOT IT SPECTACULARLY WRONG:

Photos Malala Yousafzai - JStone / Bill Clinton - Everett Collection / Hilary Clinton - JStone /  Michelle Obama - Everett Collection / Richard Dawkins - Albert H. Teich / Naomi Campbell - Everett Collection