Malala’s Portrait Unveiled at Oxford University

Malala’s Portrait Unveiled at Oxford University

The portrait of Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai has been unveiled at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University. The portrait was painted by artist Isabella Watling.

The unveiling of the portrait — in recognition of Malala’s contributions — marks an important moment for Pakistan. She has become only the second Pakistani woman, after Benazir Bhutto, to have her portrait displayed at Oxford University.

Nearly 200 people attended the event, including Oxford alumni, academics, and members of Malala’s family.

In an interview with Geo News, Malala said that the first female Muslim prime minister, Benazir Bhutto, was a source of inspiration for her, and that it was a great honour to have her portrait placed in the same college as Benazir’s.

“Benazir is not only an inspiration for women in Pakistan, but for women around the world. I have always admired her,” she said.

Malala stated that all countries should act on the basis of human rights and that Muslim countries also have a responsibility to condemn the Taliban’s un-Islamic actions. According to her, seeking knowledge is part of faith, and no one can deny girls education in the name of religion.

She said:

“Today, the ban on girls’ education in Afghanistan is an extremely dangerous situation. The Taliban are depriving girls of their fundamental right to education; girls are unable to attend school there.”

“Preventing girls from receiving education goes against the teachings of Islam. The Taliban are not allowing women to leave their homes or work, and the future of children is at risk.”

Malala studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at Oxford University and graduated in 2020. She is an internationally recognised advocate for girls’ education. She is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Oxford Pakistan Programme, which strengthens academic links between Oxford and Pakistan and provides scholarships for Pakistani and British Pakistani students.