Nobel peace laureate Malala Yousafzai is the executive producer of the Oscar-nominated documentary short 'Stranger at the Gate'
AFP

Malala Yousafzai -- the name resonates with resilience, courage, and the relentless pursuit of education and equality. Her story has inspired millions worldwide, earning her numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize. Beyond her remarkable achievements in activism and education, many wonder about the financial aspects of Yousafzai's journey. What is the net worth of this global icon?

Born on July 12, 1997, in Mingora, Pakistan, Yousafzai's early life was marked by her outspoken advocacy for girls' education, even in the face of Taliban oppression in her native Swat Valley. In 2012, she survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban, which only fueled her determination to fight for educational rights. Her story garnered international attention, propelling her to become a symbol of resilience and hope.

Yousafzai's memoir, "I Am Malala," released in 2013, has seen impressive sales figures, with 287,170 copies sold in Britain alone, totaling around 2.2 million pounds ($3 million). Globally, the book has sold over 1.8 million copies, as reported by a spokesman from Nielsen Book Research.

At the age of 17, Yousafzai made history as the recipient of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize, becoming the youngest laureate ever awarded this prestigious honor.

Now at 26 years old, her net worth is estimated to be around $3 million, reflecting not only her literary success but also her impactful activism and advocacy for education and human rights on a global scale.

Frontline struggle

At the age of ten, Yousafzai found herself thrust into a rapidly changing reality in the Swat Valley, where her family and community faced escalating challenges. With the Taliban asserting control over the region, their influence quickly spread across much of northwestern Pakistan. Draconian edicts followed, with girls barred from attending school, and even everyday cultural activities like watching television were deemed forbidden.

On Oct. 9, 2012, Yousafzai was targeted in a Taliban assassination attempt on a bus in the Swat District. Despite being shot in the head, she survived and was treated at Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology before being transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, UK.

Emerging from months of surgeries and intense rehabilitation, Yousafzai faced a pivotal choice upon reuniting with her family in their new home in the UK. With unwavering resolve, Yousafzai made her decision clear. "I could live a quiet life or I could make the most of this new life I had been given," she reflected.

Championing education

At 16, Yousafzai authored her memoir, "I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban," in collaboration with British journalist Christina Lamb. This poignant account became a bestseller, transcending linguistic boundaries and earning widespread acclaim.

Yousafzai, alongside her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, established the "Malala Fund" to champion global girls' education. As a non-profit entity, the organization relies on fundraising initiatives and donor support to fuel its mission and sustain its various programs and endeavors.

Throughout the years, Yousafzai and her family have contributed to various charitable endeavors, that supports education-focused projects on a global scale.

In 2019, Yousafzai released her next literary work, "We Are Displaced: True Stories of Refugee Lives," shedding light on the compelling narratives of displaced individuals.

In 2021, a major partnership was announced between Yousafzai and Apple, where she will create content for Apple TV+, showcasing her global inspiration.

Personal Journey

Yousafzai completed her academic journey at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, where she pursued studies in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. In 2021, she married Asser Malik, a manager with the Pakistan Cricket Board, Birmingham

Call to action

The Malala Fund has evolved into a formidable force dedicated to empowering girls through education. Operating across six countries, the organization finances education initiatives and collaborates with global influencers to champion innovative solutions. By partnering with local organizations, the Malala Fund invests in on-the-ground projects while advocating on a global scale for equitable access to quality secondary education for all girls.