Vatican City: In an exclusive interview with Vatican Media, 2014 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai reflected on her enduring commitment to girls’ education, highlighting the urgent need for global action to ensure every child’s right to schooling even in conflict zones. Recounting her journey from a teenage blogger in Pakistan’s Swat Valley to a worldwide advocate for education, Malala emphasized the importance of sustained advocacy, creative solutions, and community engagement in shaping a better future.
Malala spoke passionately about the millions of children whose education has been disrupted by war, citing Syria, Ukraine, Gaza, and South Sudan as tragic examples. She urged international support for education in emergencies, including mental health assistance and flexible learning solutions. “Keeping children in school, or getting them back to school as soon as possible, is vitally important to their psychosocial well-being and sense of security,” she stated, underscoring the human cost of educational deprivation.
Addressing the plight of Afghan girls under Taliban rule, Malala outlined initiatives by the Malala Fund, including $3 million in grants to support home-based schools, online platforms, and local programs that ensure learning continues despite severe restrictions. She described the situation in Afghanistan as “gender apartheid” and emphasized the need for global pressure to secure long-term justice and safeguard girls’ futures.
Reflecting on education as a force for peace, equality, and community empowerment, Malala highlighted stories of grassroots activists, including local educators in Tanzania helping young mothers return to school. She also stressed the value of interfaith dialogue, noting that shared learning experiences can bridge cultural and religious divides. Concluding with a call to action ahead of UN International Literacy Day, Malala urged everyone to listen to the voices of girls, advocate for their rights, and invest in lasting educational solutions worldwide.