A portrait of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai was unveiled at Oxford University’s Lady Margaret Hall, celebrating her achievements as an advocate for girls’ education.
The painting marks a historic moment, making her only the second female Pakistani, after Benazir Bhutto, to be featured at the college.
The portrait, painted by artist Isabella Watling, was revealed at LMH’s annual Founders and Benefactors Dinner. Nearly 200 guests attended, including Oxford alumni, academics, and Malala’s family—Ziauddin and Toor Pekai Yousafzai, her brother Khushal Khan Yousafzai, and her husband Asser Malik.
Malala expressed her admiration for Benazir Bhutto, saying, “Benazir is not only an inspiration for women in Pakistan but for women around the world. I have always adored her.” She highlighted the importance of human rights and called on Muslim countries to condemn the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education in Afghanistan.
Advocacy for girls’ education
Malala stressed the dangers of denying education to girls under the Taliban, stating, “Preventing girls from receiving education goes against the message of Islam.” She praised Afghan women and girls for continuing to seek education through secret schools and online learning, reaffirming her support for their efforts.
Reflecting on her own journey at Oxford, where she studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics and graduated in 2020, Malala said:
“When I first arrived at Oxford, I carried the mountains of Swat Valley in my heart… I discovered that home doesn’t have to be a fixed place — it can be many places, people, and moments that bring joy and comfort.”
Significance of portrait
Dr Talha J Pirzada, co-founder of the Oxford Pakistan Programme, highlighted Malala’s contributions to opening doors for Pakistani women at Oxford, saying her portrait represents a “full-circle moment” for the College and the University. Minahil Saqib, Outreach Lead at the Programme, added, “Her presence within the College will endure for generations, standing as a powerful testament to her lifelong advocacy for girls’ education.”
Artist Isabella Watling shared her experience, noting the challenge and honor of capturing Malala’s “strength and grace” in the portrait.
