Malala enjoys Taylor Swift at 'first-ever proper concert'

Education activist recalls her 'Swiftie journey' in a heartfelt IG post

It is to no one's surprise that Taylor Swift has made her notable presence in many hearts across the world. With her latest route towards re-recording her songs from previous albums, Swift announced the Eras Tour in 2023 - a worldwide concert spanning across five continents and perhaps a deja-vu for many Swifties who reminisce about the older tracks.

Education and women rights activist and philanthropist Malala Yousafzai is among the American pop star's legion of fans as witnessed in her latest Instagram post. Sharing photos of her attending one of the shows in London, Malala took her internet followers down the memory lane as she recalled her early years as a 'Swiftie' in the caption.

She recounted a cherished memory from her youth, writing, "One of my favorite memories from Swat Valley is a field trip I took in middle school with my best friend, Moniba. Giggling, we went to a waterfall hidden away in a lush green mountain. We were so excited because we were finally allowed to go to school again and could be outdoors with our friends, laughing and singing together."

While art and music was a source of controversy in the upper regions of Pakistan and its neighbouring countries, the moment was a source of pure joy and freedom for the girls. Malala explained, "Having lived through a time where music and art were banned, music felt like a gift." It was during this period that her connection to Swift's music began to take root.

"Moniba and I found the highest rock we could, climbed on top of it and announced to all of our classmates and teachers we were going to perform our new favourite song called Love Story," Malala recalled. "We sang with all of our heart, taking in the joy we felt every second. That's where my Swiftie journey began."

The significance of attending Swift's concert was not lost on Malala. "It feels magical that my first-ever proper concert would be to see Taylor Swift, singing along to every song surrounded by friends," she wrote. The photos she shared depicted her and her husband, Asser Malik, along with friends, fully immersed in the concert experience, complete with the now-iconic friendship bracelets favored by Swift's fans.

However, true to her role as an education activist and advocate for girls' rights, Malala used this joyous occasion to highlight the ongoing struggles in her home region. She reminded her followers of the current situation in Afghanistan, writing, "Three years ago, the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan. Once again, music no longer plays on the streets, and girls and women are barred from school, work and public life."

Malala concluded her post with a message of hope and determination: "In Swat, music made my friends and me feel confident and free. And one day I hope we will live in a world where every girl will be able to enjoy music and live out her wildest dreams."