Malala Yousafzai Inspires Girls Inc. to Be Strong, Smart, and Bold in Philadelphia
Five Girls Inc. participants had the unforgettable opportunity to attend an evening with Malala Yousafzai at The Fillmore Philadelphia, and it was nothing short of empowering. What began as a book signing for her new memoir, Finding My Way, turned into a heartfelt and humorous conversation about friendship, balance, and learning to be confident in who you are.
The event, hosted by the Malala Fund, brought together students, educators, and community members to celebrate Malala’s story and her ongoing fight for girls’ education. And for our Girls Inc. participants, it was a reminder that even global icons are still learning and growing just like them.
Who Is Malala?
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani education activist and the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate in history. At just 15 years old, she survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban for speaking out about girls’ right to education in her home country. Her courage sparked an international movement and inspired the creation of the Malala Fund, which now supports girls’ access to education across the globe.
Since then, Malala has become a graduate of Oxford University, a bestselling author, and a leading voice for women and girls everywhere. Her work continues to shine a light on the power of education to change lives.
“I Just Wanted to Be a Normal College Student”
Even heroes have awkward college stories. Malala had the audience laughing as she described preparing for her first semester at Oxford. “I Googled pictures of college students,” she said, smiling. “They all wore skinny jeans, cardigans, and boots—so that’s exactly what I bought!”
She talked about trying to blend in, sneaking her new clothes past her mom, and joining every club imaginable—from cricket to debate—to make new friends. Her story made everyone laugh, but it also revealed something deeper: even someone who has spoken at the United Nations once felt out of place.
“When people try to control you, you start to lose trust in yourself. You must remember to be true to who you are.” — Malala Yousafzai
The Challenge of Balance
Between college coursework, activism, and public speaking around the world, Malala admitted that she nearly failed her first year at Oxford. “I was doing everything, except sleeping,” she joked. Her honesty made the audience smile but also reflect.
She shared how her tutor once had to write to her parents asking them to postpone her travels so she could focus on her studies. It was a turning point that taught her a lesson so many young people need to hear: you can’t do everything at once and that’s okay.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Work and self-care go together.”
Malala spoke openly about learning to slow down, set boundaries, and prioritize her well-being—because taking care of yourself is part of changing the world.
Real Talk About Mental Health
Malala also shared her journey with anxiety and therapy—something she had once resisted. “In Pakistan, we never talked about mental health,” she said. “But I learned that asking for help doesn’t make you weak—it makes you stronger.”
Her words were gentle but powerful. She encouraged everyone, especially young women, to embrace vulnerability, reach out for support, and understand that healing is a form of strength. “It’s okay not to have all the answers,” she said. “What matters is staying true to yourself.”
Why Girls Inc. Loves Malala
Our Girls Inc. participants saw themselves in Malala—not as a distant figure, but as someone learning, laughing, and growing through life’s challenges. She reminded them that leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about authenticity.
We love Malala for her honesty, humor, and heart. Her story perfectly reflects the Girls Inc. mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold—to trust their voice, take action, and create change in their own communities.
We’re deeply grateful to the Malala Fund for hosting our girls at The Fillmore and donating copies of Finding My Way to Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey. Partnerships like this help us continue empowering the next generation of fearless young women.
“Hearing Malala share her story was truly powerful and impactful,” says Girls Inc. participant Berklee. “Her courage reminded me that despite everything she’s faced, she remains positive and determined.”
Join the Movement
At Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey, we help girls grow up strong, smart, and bold—ready to take on the world with confidence and compassion.
Just like Malala.