A portrait of Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has been unveiled at Lady Margaret Hall, one of the colleges at Oxford University.
With this honor, Malala becomes the second Pakistani woman to have her portrait displayed there, after former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. The portrait was painted by artist Isabella Watling and highlights Malala’s worldwide efforts for education and human rights.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by Malala’s family, Oxford alumni, students, and members of the academic community.
During the event, Malala spoke about the importance of education and expressed her admiration for Benazir Bhutto, calling her an inspiration and a role model for women in leadership. She said it was a special moment to be honored in the same place as someone she deeply respects.
Malala studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at Oxford University and graduated in 2020. Since completing her studies, she has remained closely connected to the university.
She continues to support Pakistani students through the Oxford Pakistan Programme, which helps students from Pakistan access higher education opportunities at Oxford.
The portrait reflects Malala’s journey from a young education activist in Pakistan to a global voice for girls’ education.
It also recognizes her ongoing work through the Malala Fund, which focuses on ensuring that girls around the world can receive 12 years of free, safe, and quality education.
University representatives said the portrait is a symbol of courage, determination, and hope. They noted that Malala’s story continues to inspire students from all backgrounds to stand up for their rights and work for positive change. The honor marks another milestone in Malala’s remarkable journey and her lasting impact on education and human rights worldwide.
