Malala Yousafzai reveals secret romance with husband Asser Malik in memoir 'Finding My Way'

Malala Yousafzai opens up about secretly dating husband Asser Malik at Oxford

Malala Yousafzai is offering a rare glimpse into her private life, opening up about her early relationship with her husband, Asser Malik, in her forthcoming memoir Finding My Way. The book, set for release on October 21 by Atria Books, details the beginnings of their love story, her years at Oxford University, and her evolving views on marriage.

As reported by Vogue, which published an excerpt from the memoir, Yousafzai describes the challenges of dating Malik while maintaining privacy as one of the world’s most recognizable figures. She recalled feeling anxious about being recognized during their secret meetings, even once hiding behind a hedge after being spotted by a fan while holding Malik’s hand.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate, now 28, also shared a playful memory from their early courtship. For one date, she wore a conservative outfit approved by her mother but changed into a sleeveless pink dress and heels after arriving at the restaurant. Malik’s reaction, she wrote, was one of surprise and admiration, jokingly calling her a “sex bomb.”

Yousafzai admitted that keeping the relationship hidden from her parents was difficult. She first confided in her father, Ziauddin, about her romantic feelings but asked him not to tell her mother — a request he quickly ignored. Her mother initially objected, insisting Malala should marry within their Pashtun community.

Despite early family tension, the couple continued their relationship and eventually married in November 2021 in Birmingham, England. According to People, Yousafzai has since credited Malik with changing her perspective on marriage, describing him as her “best friend.”

Finding My Way marks Yousafzai’s most personal work to date, offering an intimate look at her journey from global activist to wife and woman defining life on her own terms.