Why is July 12 Celebrated as International Malala Day? History, significance and facts about Pakistani activist

July 12 is observed as International Malala Day to salute the Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai, who works for women’s right to education across the globe.

Born in Swat Valley, Malala was never permitted to enter school as the Taliban had banned girls from going to school in Pakistan.

On October 9, 2012, while Malala was returning home from school, she was attacked by a Taliban gunman who shot her in the head and the neck. She received preliminary treatment in Pakistan, but was later sent to England for further recovery. Nine months after being shot, Malala delivered a moving speech at the UN headquarters on her 16th birthday.


At the age of 17, Malala received Nobel Peace Prize and became the youngest recipient to receive it. After the violent assassination attempt at Malala, Pakistan passed the first Right to Education Bill. She has received over 40 awards and honours for her relentless courage. University of King's College has also awarded her with an honourary doctorate in the year 2014.