Tag: Malala

  • Speak up for Gaza: Malala wants to share stories from Palestine after being part of ‘We Are Lady Parts’

    Speak up for Gaza: Malala wants to share stories from Palestine after being part of ‘We Are Lady Parts’

    In the second episode of the new season of ‘We Are Lady Parts,’ viewers got a big surprise: a guest appearance by women’s rights activist Malala Yousafzai.

    The Channel 4 comedy follows an all-women Muslim punk band trying to make it big. The main characters, Amina, Saira, Ayesha, Momtaz, and Bisma, are the show’s heart. Malala, the youngest Nobel Prize winner in history, made a special appearance, stunning the audience.

    In the episode, Bisma’s daughter, Imani, is suspended for throwing eggs at a teacher who removed slavery from the curriculum. She tells her mother, “I did what Malala would do.” This inspired the band to write ‘Malala Made Me Do It,’ with lyrics praising Malala’s bravery.

    Malala appears in a fantasy scene, wearing a beaded dress and a crystal-studded cowboy hat, riding a fake horse in a western-themed setting.
    Malala shared her experience with Vogue, revealing she is a fan of the show. She praised its representation of Muslim characters as leads. At a film premiere, she met the show’s creator, Nida Manzoor, and expressed her admiration for the series. When Manzoor suggested the cameo, Malala was unsure but agreed after seeing the team’s preparations.

    On filming day, Malala enjoyed the experience, from the costume fittings to horse riding with a ladder’s help. She appreciated the detailed costume design, which included a custom dupatta.

    Malala also spoke passionately about global issues, especially the crisis in Gaza, calling for humanitarian aid and peace. She emphasized the importance of shows like “We Are Lady Parts” in connecting people through stories.

    Reflecting on her cameo and the song ‘Malala Made Me Do It,’ Malala expressed pride in its message about education and speaking out. She hopes the new season brings joy to viewers and highlights the importance of humanizing and connecting with others.

    Malala also mentioned her role as an executive producer on the documentary ‘Bread and Roses,’ which focuses on Afghan women fighting for their rights since the fall of Kabul. She hopes the film will raise awareness and support women’s rights in Afghanistan.

  • Malala and Oxford University announce scholarship for Baloch students

    Malala and Oxford University announce scholarship for Baloch students

    The University of Oxford and the Balochistan government have agreed to provide scholarships to deserving talented students from the province.

    The agreement was formalised at a ceremony attended by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai. It is also supported by the Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP) and its benefactors.

    The graduate scholarships will be provided under the umbrella of the Benazir Scholarship Programme.

    The programme will enable talented students from Balochistan to pursue higher education at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions with the help of full scholarship.

    As the signing ceremony began, philanthropist Sarwar Khawaja don­ated 100,000 pounds to initiate the endowment fund.

    Chief Minister’s principal secretary, Imran Zarkoon Khan, an alumnus of Oxford, also attended the ceremony and was praised for his instrumental role in initiating the scholarship programme.

  • Malala in her cowgirl era for British Vogue; internet reminded of her silence on Palestine

    Malala in her cowgirl era for British Vogue; internet reminded of her silence on Palestine

    Malala is making a special appearance in a British sitcom called ‘We Are Lady Parts’ based on a punk band consisting of Muslim women.

    For a photoshoot with British Vogue, Malala donned a look similar to that of a cowgirl with a shimmery blue outfit and a large hat while sitting on horseback.

    Other cast members were seen standing in front of the horse.

    Netizens were reacting in all ways possible to her pictures but the dominant element is her muffled response and lack of condemnation of Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.

    Social media users subjected her to criticism as one commented underneath the British Vogue post, “Wow, the priorities Malala has during an ongoing genocide.”

    While another commented, “Proving that modesty fashion can be stylish, trendy, and fun.”

    A user subjected her to severe criticism: “Can officially add actress to her CV, we’ve only been assuming for the past many years”. Someone else commented, “Baby girl is too busy to give a damn about genocide. #AllEyesOnRafah”

    Fashion journalist Amna Isani shared the picture and took a jibe at her by commenting, “Is this what officially losing the plot looks like?”.

    Malala has been receiving ire since October 7 because of her perceived restraint in condemning Israel for the genocide. Even though she has called for a ceasefire in the past, the internet is lambasting her for her silence on the Rafah Massacre carried out by Israeli forces early in the week.

    However, in the interview that she gave to Vogue, Malala did talk about Gaza and specifically the Rafah Massacre. “This is such a difficult time right now, especially with what is happening in Gaza, and especially what we saw in Rafah this week,” she told the magazine, calling the images “heartbreaking.”

    She went on to plead the case for a ceasefire in Gaza, stating: “I want people in Gaza not to be dehumanised. I want people to see those children as humans.”

  • Malala reiterates Gaza support after criticism on collaboration with Hilary Clinton

    Malala reiterates Gaza support after criticism on collaboration with Hilary Clinton

    Education activist Malala Yousafzai has issued a statement on social media, reiterating her support for Palestine and calling out Israel for committing a genocide in Gaza.

    Earlier this week, she faced severe criticism, even from those who have always defended her, after it was revealed that she was partnering with former US First Lady Hilary Clinton, who has actively spoken against a ceasefire in Gaza.

    While Malala has issued a statement in support of Palestine now, her collaboration with a warmonger remains unaffected.

    As co-producers for a new Broadway production titled “Suffs,” they will mark their debut on the Broadway stage.

    “Suffs” is a musical that depicts the suffrage movement in the United States, chronicling the campaign for women’s right to vote from 1913 to 1920, culminating in the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

    The collaboration has become questionable for the Pakistani public in the light of on-going Israeli genocide in Gaza that is financed by the US and above all, supported by Hilary Clinton herself. And people are asking: what exactly is Malala thinking by doing this collaboration at this time.

  • Malala’s collaboration with anti-Palestinian Hillary Clinton causes uproar, diminishes Malala support

    Malala’s collaboration with anti-Palestinian Hillary Clinton causes uproar, diminishes Malala support

    Education activist, Malala Yousafzai, has recently faced criticism for her lack of speedy and strong support for the Palestinians and is now facing major backlash once again. This time because of her partnership with former US First Lady Hilary Clinton, who has actively spoken against a ceasefire in Gaza.

    Malala Yousafzai always had people who did not agree with her point of view. But this time it’s different. Different because people, including notable personalities who have defended her against those deeming her a “puppet” of the Western world, are now withdrawing support of her.

    In a recent announcement, Hillary Clinton and Malala are said to collaborate as co-producers for a new Broadway production titled “Suffs,” marking their debut on the Broadway stage.

    “Suffs” is a musical that depicts the suffrage movement in the United States, chronicling the campaign for women’s right to vote from 1913 to 1920, culminating in the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

    This collaboration has become questionable for the Pakistani public in the light of an on-going Israeli genocide in Gaza that is financed by the US and above all, supported by Hilary Clinton herself. And people are asking: what exactly is Malala thinking by doing this collaboration at this time.

    People react:

    Some supporters defended Malala

    Background

    While Malala Yousafzai has spoken regarding the situation in Gaza since October 7 and has called for a ceasefire, her takes have been carefully worded and somewhat diplomatic which also drew criticism as she has not openly called out Israel for committing a genocide.

    On the other hand, Hilary Clinton has openly advocated against a ceasefire in Gaza, justifying Israeli deadly operations in the besieged strip.

  • Sajal Aly, Malala call for ‘respect’ for voters’ choice as election results come in

    Sajal Aly, Malala call for ‘respect’ for voters’ choice as election results come in

    Now that election mania is subsiding, another mania has taken over. People are closely following who will form the government. Actress Sajal Aly posted on Instagram about how things have been changing a lot recently in the political scene. “There have been many changes since the night till now”. In another story, she shared a song called “Laga Reh” by Shehzad Roy, which talks about Pakistan’s situation, its politicians and its people. Sajal praised Shehzad for being right about it all along and said, “Your concern was accurate. Sad,” tagging the singer.
    Moreover, the actor found something positive in the situation. She wrote in Urdu, “However, the good news is that today, the entire nation is concerned about the country. Keep at it!”

    But Sajal wasn’t the only one sharing her thoughts. Activist and Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai also spoke up about the elections. She wrote, “Pakistan needs elections that are fair and honest. This means counting votes openly and respecting the results.”

  • Malala issues statement on the Israel-Palestine war

    Malala issues statement on the Israel-Palestine war

    Nobel Prize winner and education activist Malala Yousafzai has issued a statement on Israel’s war on Palestine.

    In her letter, she called for both sides to hold a ceasefire and prevent innocent lives from being lost, writing that it is cruel how Palestine and Israel children have been caught in the middle.

    The Nobel Prize winner reflected on her own upbringing during a wave of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkha, writing “We woke up to the sounds of mortar shells, saw our schools and mosques destroyed by bombs. Peace became something we could only dream about.”

    “War never spares children,” Malala further wrote. “Not those kidnapped from their homes in Israel, not those hiding from airstrikes or without food and water in Gaza.”

  • Malala will make history as the youngest speaker at Mandela Annual Lecture

    Malala will make history as the youngest speaker at Mandela Annual Lecture

    Youngest Nobel laureate and education activist Malala Yousafzai will be delivering the 21st Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in Johannesburg, South Africa.

    The announcement was made by Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) on social media on Monday.

    The NMF acting Chief Executive Verne Harris posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Scheduled for 5 December 2023, this lecture holds special significance as it coincides with the tenth anniversary of Madiba’s passing.”

    The Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture Series consists of prominent people initiating debate on significant social issues and difficult subjects in order to address the challenges the world encounters.

    Nelson Mandela was the first Black president of South Africa (1994–99). He was jointly awarded the Nobel Prize with South African Pres. F.W. de Klerk for Peace in 1993 for their efforts towards the rights of Africans.

    “Malala embodies the type of leadership we believe the world needs across all levels of society. In the face of current global challenges, which can seem daunting, she stands as an inspiring symbol of hope for a just and equitable future,” said Harris.

    Some of the previous speakers include South Africa’s Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, former US president Barack Obama; Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai; former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan; Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates.

  • Activist Malala Yousafzai sends support to Afghanistan women’s football team

    Women’s rights activist and Noble Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has expressed her support for the women’s football team from Afghanistan, who were banned by the current Taliban government from playing the sport after the takeover in 2021. Currently, the team resides in Melbourne, Australia, where they escaped to in 2021, but right now the football team is not recognised by the government or the FIFA organisation.

    “I’m very sad. I was expecting a lot more for football’s governing body,” said Khalida Popal, who was the former captain of the women’s football team.

    “[Fifa needs] to stand with these women. We want leadership – we need a strong voice to stand with us. Don’t keep silent.”

    Currently, the Afghanistan Women’s Football team is being sponsored by the Australian professional football club Melbourne Victory, and now activist and Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has joined the ranks in calling for the team to be recognised by FIFA.

    The producer behind ‘Joyland’ was in Melbourne to watch the Women’s World Cup and shared a post of her meeting the team members of the Afghanistan women’s football team, writing that she was inspired by their bravery and determination.

    “I came to Melbourne because of a story. The New York Times published an incredible account of the keeper for the Afghanistan Women’s Team and how its founder @khalida_popal_girlpower helped the players escape near-certain death after the Taliban gained control and banned women’s sports. I was inspired by their bravery and determination. They were so proud to play for their national team and now they were burying their jerseys to avoid being caught and killed.

    Today, I finally met the AWT in person— including Fatima and Khalida — to continue to support their campaign to be recognised by FIFA. This is the power of stories and why we must continue to share them. You never know who could be listening.”

    The Pakistan-born activist urged her followers to read more about the football team and to donate funds to help support them as they live in exile and away from their families

  • Malala working on her ‘most personal book yet’

    Malala working on her ‘most personal book yet’

    Nobel laureate and education activist Malala Yousafzai has revealed that she is in the process of writing her next book, emphasizing that it will be her most intimate and personal work to date.

    In a social media post on Monday, she expressed her excitement about the book.

    “I am overjoyed to announce that I am working on my next book! The last few years of my life have been marked by extraordinary transformation — finding independence, partnership and, ultimately, myself. This will be my most personal book yet and I can’t wait for you to read it,” wrote Malala in the caption of the post.

    “This October will be a decade since ‘I Am Malala’ was published, shortly after my 16th birthday. I am excited to share what has happened since and take the next step in my journey with the incredible teams at @atriabooks in the U.S., @wnbooks in the U.K. and more countries coming soon,” she added.