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| Malala Yousafzai, SHADE-IN's Woman Crush |
This Women Crush Wednesday (WCW), Saving Hand Development Initiative (SHADE-IN) celebrates a woman whose story embodies what we believe in—Malala Yousafzai. From defying fear as an 11-year-old blogger in Taliban-controlled Pakistan to becoming a global symbol for education, equality, and youth empowerment, Malala’s journey is proof that young people with a vision can change the world.
How Malala’s Achievements Speak SHADE-IN’s Language
At SHADE-IN, we champion young people taking the lead—in business, leadership, creativity, and impact. Malala’s story reflects this boldly:
• She didn’t wait for the future—she started building it at age 11, leading a silent revolution through her anonymous blogs to advocate for girls’ education.
• She turned oppression into opportunity—after surviving an assassination attempt, she founded a global organization that now invests millions into empowering girls around the world.
• She created platforms for others—Malala Fund doesn’t just fight for girls’ education; it amplifies girls’ voices, builds local leadership, and holds governments accountable.
• She’s a global leader born from local pain—Malala didn’t just dream of changing her community. She did it—and expanded that change across 9+ countries, including Nigeria.
Malala speaks the SHADE-IN language fluently: action, impact, and influence—driven by purpose, powered by youth.
Why We’re Crushing on Malala
Because she reminds us that age is not a limitation—it’s a launchpad.
Because she refused to be a victim and instead chose to be a visionary.
Because like SHADE-IN, she’s impatient about change and intentional about systems' transformation.
And that’s what SHADE-IN is about.
Our Vision is to be a leading strategy, providing unique relationship with the young and communities towards achieving God’s purpose for life.
Our Mission is to enhance speedy transformation of the Nigerian system by creating exceptional values among young people, communities and leaders.
Malala embodies this mission in real-time. Her journey from student to strategic global changemaker aligns with what SHADE-IN builds—a generation that dares to dream and acts to disrupt.
Malala’s Impact So Far
Malala’s dream of starting an organization began in 2009, as a desperate wish to return to school.
By 2013, that dream became the Malala Fund, and since then:
• $47 million+ has been invested in programs advancing girls’ education.
• Active in 9 countries: Afghanistan, Brazil, India, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey, Ethiopia, and Tanzania.
• 102 Education Champions supported to advocate for education in their communities.
• Global Policy Impact: Shaping world leaders’ priorities and securing financial commitments for girls’ education.
In her words:
“When I dreamed of Malala Fund as a child, I hoped to change my community. I couldn’t imagine that one day we would have friends like you, helping girls I had not yet met, in countries around the world.”
And she’s not slowing down. The last five years of the Malala Fund’s strategic plan aimed to:
• Expand their education advocate network to 10+ countries.
• Break barriers caused by social norms, inadequate funding, and poor-quality education.
• Equip girls to become advocates and amplify their voices globally.
• Hold governments accountable and measure progress publicly.
Malala’s fight is just as SHADE-IN envisions a world where young people can choose their futures and fulfil purpose through the vehicle of education.
“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”
— Malala Yousafzai
This quote by Malala encapsulates SHADE-IN’s journey over the past 15 years—transforming lives, impacting communities, and building change one step at a time.
Watch our #IWD video where we also highlighted Malala's story: WATCH HERE:
As we celebrate our anniversary, we invite you to join us in spreading the message of SHADE-IN’s impact across the world. Over the next few months, we’ll be sharing stories, moments, and milestones that have shaped the SHADE-IN's movement.
Learn more via our Anniversary Post.
Share your SHADE-IN experience using the hashtags:
#SHADEINAt15
#SHADEINStories
#TransformingLives
#ImpactingCommunities
#OneStepAtATime
#15YearsAnniversary
So here’s to Malala—our SHADE-IN Woman Crush.
Proof that even the most impossible battles can be won when courage leads.
To every SHADE-IN young person reading this: dream bigger, start bolder, and own your impact. The world is waiting.
References:
• Yousafzai, M. (2023). Malala Fund Strategic Plan. Retrieved from malala.org
• NobelPrize.org. (2014). The Nobel Peace Prize 2014 – Malala Yousafzai. Retrieved from nobelprize.org
• BBC News. (2009). Malala: Diary of a Pakistani schoolgirl. Retrieved from bbc.com
• Brookings Institution. (2016). Why Secondary Education for Girls Matters for Climate Change
• Vogue. (2021). Malala Yousafzai on Marriage and Her New Chapter. Retrieved from vogue.com
#WCW
#GirlsEducation
#MalalaYousafzai
#EducationIsFreedom
#YouthEmpowerment
#LeadTheChange
#SHADEINWomen
Written by Omiebi Eki-Allen
Concept and Editing by Bliss Ojeruse
For Saving Hand Development Initiative (SHADE-IN)
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