International Malala Day is observed annually on July 12, coinciding with the birthday of Malala Yousafzai. The day celebrates her remarkable life and enduring legacy as a champion for girls’ education. The United Nations first recognized this significant occasion on July 12, 2013, one year after Malala was shot by a Taliban gunman for advocating for girls' right to education.
The origins of International Malala Day date back to 2012, when Malala Yousafzai was attacked due to her outspoken stance against the Taliban's restrictions on female education in Pakistan. The Taliban’s assault on Malala on October 9, 2012, drew international attention to the plight of girls seeking education in conflict zones. Despite sustaining severe injuries, she survived and emerged as a global symbol of resilience and the fight for educational rights.
In 2013, the UN designated July 12 as International Malala Day to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the attack. This initiative aimed to honor her courage and promote the cause she represented. In 2015, the UN formally established July 12 as International Malala Day, recognizing Malala’s efforts and encouraging leaders worldwide to take action to ensure girls' access to education.
International Malala Day serves as a call to action for global leaders to guarantee free and compulsory education for all girls. The United Nations emphasizes that education is a fundamental human right, not merely a privilege. On this day, various initiatives .