Student Question
Why does Malala's father consider education vital to Pakistan in I Am Malala?
Quick answer:
Malala's father, Ziauddin, considers education vital to Pakistan because he believes it empowers girls by providing more opportunities and control over their lives. He sees education as a unifying and progressive force in a country divided by Islamic fundamentalism. Ziauddin, who overcame personal challenges to become a proficient speaker, actively supports girls' education by organizing schools, including one attended by Malala, reflecting his commitment to transforming societal norms.
In her passionate belief in the power of education, Malala takes after her father, Ziauddin. He studied literature and rhetoric for many years, managing in the process to overcome a severe stammer to become a proficient public speaker.
Although many men in this traditional, patriarchal society frown upon the idea of education for girls, Ziauddin isn't one of them. He organizes schools for girls and young women, one of which is attended by Malala, whom he strongly encourages in her educational endeavors. Ziauddin believes that education will give girls more opportunities and greater control over their lives. He also believes that education will be good for Pakistan as a whole, as it will make this fractious country, large swathes of which are in the grip of Islamic fundamentalism, more unified and progressive.
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