Updated On: 11 July, 2025 04:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
On World Malala Day, it is important to not just celebrate Malala Yousafzai’s extraordinary journey but also the powerful ecosystem of stories, voices and projects she has inspired

Malala Yousafzai celebrates her birthday on July 12. Photo Courtesy: AFP
Pakistani female education activist Malala Yousafzai's life has been extremely inspirational not only for people in her country but also around the world.
Every year, Malala celebrates her birthday on July 12, and this year will be no different. While there are many different ways that people can observe it around the world, the United Nations in 2013 designated it as World Malala Day to honour her because of her bravery and her role in global advocacy for girl education.
On World Malala Day, it is important to not just celebrate Malala Yousafzai’s extraordinary journey but also the powerful ecosystem of stories, voices and projects she has inspired.
This listicle explores compelling audiobooks, documentaries and films that spotlight Malala’s activism, her unwavering fight for girls’ education, her growing influence as a producer, championing powerful stories of women’s strength and the influential role her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, played in shaping her path.
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For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story
Explore this inspiring picture book that follows Malala Yousafzai’s brave journey from a school-loving girl in Pakistan’s Swat Valley to a global icon for girls’ education. Undeterred by threats from the Taliban, Malala boldly spoke out for the right to learn, even blogging under a pseudonym to share the harsh realities of life under their rule. After surviving a targeted attack for her activism, she refused to be silenced; instead, her voice only grew stronger, ultimately earning her the Nobel Peace Prize. This heartfelt and accessible retelling introduces young readers to the power of courage, conviction, and the belief that one girl can truly change the world.