16-year-old me had no idea: Malala documents fight for girls’ education

Education advocate reflected on her journey

Renowned education activist Malala Yousafzai took to Twitter to share her thoughts as she approached her 26th birthday. In her heartfelt message, she expressed disbelief at how much had transpired since her groundbreaking speech at the United Nations a decade ago. 

As she prepared to celebrate her upcoming birthday, Malala reflected on her commitment to spending the occasion with young women, highlighting her past visits to various countries and refugee camps. Despite the pandemic's impact on her travel plans, she spoke about looking forward to celebrating in person with her "sisters" this year.

The courageous Malala, known worldwide for her relentless fight for girls' education, expressed astonishment that ten years had passed since her memorable speech at the United Nations. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledged the incredible people she has met and the extraordinary places she has visited along the way. "It’s hard to believe tomorrow is my 26th birthday – ten years since I spoke at the United Nations. 16-year-old me had no idea what would happen next, the amazing people she would meet, the places she would go. She was just determined to continue her fight for girls’ education," wrote the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. 

It’s hard to believe tomorrow is my 26th birthday – ten years since I spoke at the United Nations. 16-year-old me had no idea what would happen next, the amazing people she would meet, the places she would go. She was just determined to continue her fight for girls’ education. pic.twitter.com/17Z5oVOOzE

— Malala Yousafzai (@Malala) July 11, 2023

Since that pivotal day at the UN, Malala made a personal commitment to spend her birthdays with girls, a tradition that has taken her to numerous countries around the world. She penned further on the microblogging site, "Since that day, I made a commitment to spend my birthday with girls, a tradition that has brought me to Nigeria, Kenya, Brazil and Ethiopia, and to refugee camps in Lebanon, Rwanda and Iraq."

Since that day, I made a commitment to spend my birthday with girls, a tradition that has brought me to Nigeria, Kenya, Brazil and Ethiopia, and to refugee camps in Lebanon, Rwanda and Iraq. pic.twitter.com/SYDx1A5kyn

— Malala Yousafzai (@Malala) July 11, 2023

While the global pandemic temporarily halted her travel plans, Malala expressed her excitement at being able to celebrate her birthday in person with girls once again. The pause in her physical visits did not deter her dedication to the cause, as she continued her advocacy through virtual platforms. Now, as restrictions ease, she eagerly anticipates the opportunity to mark this special anniversary alongside the girls who inspire her.

Capping off her thoughts, Malala expressed, "And while the pandemic put a brief pause on travel, I am thrilled to celebrate again in person with my sisters this year. I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate this anniversary and I hope you follow along to see where I land."

And while the pandemic put a brief pause on travel, I am thrilled to celebrate again in person with my sisters this year. I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate this anniversary and I hope you follow along to see where I land ✈️💜

— Malala Yousafzai (@Malala) July 11, 2023

With a mix of gratitude, hope, and determination, Malala's birthday celebrations serve as a reminder of her unwavering commitment to empowering girls through education and her relentless pursuit of equality. Her advocacy continues to be astonishingly inspiring, and her tweets serve as a reminder of all that she has achieved at a remarkably young age.

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