Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act: History, Importance, Interesting Facts

Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani girl, is a famous Pakistani activist who spoke up against the denial of education to girls imposed by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan. She even survived an assassination attack on her at the tender age of 15. In the year 2014, Malala Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, along with Kailash Satyarthi for their efforts in favour of children’s rights.

Important Facts About Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act

• The Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act was passed by the US Congress on 1st January 2021, after which it went to the White House as a proposed law to be signed by the then president, Donald Trump
• The president signed this proposal on January 13th, 2021, making it a law
• The Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act requires the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to provide at least 50% of Merit and Needs-Based scholarships to Pakistani women
• This law also requires USAID to seek investments from the Pakistani private sector entities in the US to improve education access in Pakistan

Interesting Facts About Malala Yousafzai Act

• Since 2010, the USAID has been able to provide scholarships to over 6,000 young women of Pakistan as assistance for their higher education
• The Malala Scholarship Act also requires USAID to update and report to the US Congress about the number of scholarships awarded under the Act
• The purpose of this Act is to proliferate the access to higher education deeper in Pakistan

Information About Malala Yousafzai

• Malala is a Pakistani activist who spoke out against the prohibition of education for young Pakistani girls, a mandate issued by Tehrik-e-Taliban
• Malala Yousafzai, to express her disagreement with the prohibition and discrimination, wrote a diary under a pseudonym for BBC Urdu when she was 11 years old, capturing details about life under Taliban authority in Swat
• Enraged by her activism, the Tehrik-e-Taliban attempted assassination on her on October 12, 2012, by shooting her in the head. Malala survived this assassination attempt. She was flown to Birmingham from Peshawar for surgery
• Malala was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with Kailash Satyarthi for their efforts towards children’s rights
• The UN declared July 12 as "Malala Day" - on this day in 2013, Malala spoke in the United Nations, calling out for an initiative to improve the access to education on a global level.

FAQs About Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act

• Which country does the Malala Scholarship belong to?

It is a Pakistani act, meant for improving access to education for young girls by means of scholarships to the tune of 50%.

• What is Tehrik-e-Taliban?

It is a student militant group, also known as the Pakistani Taliban. It is known by its acronym, TTP, which stands for Tehrik e Taliban Pakistan.

• What was Malala's pseudonym for BBC Urdu?

Malala wrote blogs for BBC Urdu under the pseudonym, "Gul Makai". She wrote 35 entries for the channel.

• What are Malala's awards/achievements?

Some Malala Yousafzai awards/achievements are as follows

• Shorty Award for Teen Hero, 2015
• Nobel Peace Prize, 2014
• Asia Game Changer Awards, 2014
• Sakharov Prize, 2013
• Glamour Award for The Girls' Hero, 2013
• Simon de Beauvoir Prize, 2013
• Ambassador of Conscience Award, 2013
• United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights Award, 2013
• Goodreads Choice Awards Best Memoir and Author, 2013
• Mother Teresa Awards, 2012
• National Malala Peace Prize, 2011