Malala Yousafzai Pledges $300,000 for Girls’ Education in Conflict Zones
Sydney, 15 January 2026 – Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has announced a $300,000 donation through the Malala Fund to support girls’ education in Gaza, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, amid ongoing conflicts. She also expressed solidarity with Iranian protesters, highlighting long-standing restrictions on women’s autonomy.
Malala’s Humanitarian Pledge
Yousafzai, the Pakistani education activist, revealed the funding initiative on social media, targeting grassroots organisations in the affected regions. The funds aim to provide emergency relief, education, and psychosocial support for girls and women disrupted by violence. In Gaza, the Taawon Welfare Association will receive support for safe learning spaces and mental health services. In Sudan, the Mutual Aid Sudan Coalition, a women-led group, will offer lifesaving aid including food and protection for survivors of gender-based violence. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Panzi Hospital and Foundation will focus on maternal care and support for survivors of sexual violence.
Yousafzai urged governments to protect girls’ right to education and called on international bodies like the United Nations to uphold international law. She emphasised that education remains a fundamental right, even in crises, and stressed the need for collective action to ensure girls can learn and thrive.
Support for Iranian Protesters
In a separate statement, Yousafzai voiced support for the ongoing protests in Iran, linking them to decades of state-imposed restrictions on girls’ and women’s autonomy in education and public life. She described a system of gendered control involving segregation, surveillance, and punishment, and called for Iranian women and girls to lead their political future without external interference. “I stand with the people and girls of Iran in their call for freedom and dignity,” she said.
Her stance has drawn criticism in Pakistan, where some accuse her of selective activism, noting her silence on issues like Gaza in the past. However, Yousafzai has previously advocated for Palestinian rights and focused on global girls’ education.
Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Donation Amount | $300,000 (USD), equivalent to approximately A$450,000 |
| Target Regions | Gaza, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Malala’s Age and Nobel Prize | Born 12 July 1997; youngest Nobel laureate at 17 in 2014 |
| Key Organisations Supported | Taawon Welfare Association (Gaza), Mutual Aid Sudan Coalition (Sudan), Panzi Hospital and Foundation (Congo) |
| Previous Pledge | $100,000 for Gazan refugees in Egypt in late 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Malala Yousafzai?
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani education activist born on 12 July 1997 in Mingora, Swat Valley. She survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012 for advocating girls’ education and became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2014. She founded the Malala Fund to support girls’ education worldwide.
What is the Malala Fund?
The Malala Fund is a non-profit organisation established in 2013 by Yousafzai and her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai. It invests in programmes that provide safe, quality education for girls in developing countries, focusing on regions affected by poverty, conflict, and discrimination.
Why is Malala supporting Iranian protesters?
Yousafzai links the protests to systemic restrictions on women’s rights in Iran, including education. She believes Iranian girls deserve dignity and autonomy, and their future should be determined by the Iranian people, especially women and girls.
How does this pledge fit into her broader work?
This initiative builds on Yousafzai’s lifelong commitment to girls’ education. She has previously donated funds for schools in Pakistan and supported Syrian refugees. The pledge addresses immediate crises while promoting long-term educational access.