Malala Yousafzai reveals reason behind decision to get married

ISLAMABAD: When Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai announced on November 9 that she has tied the nuptial knot, there were mixed reactions. While most people rushed to congratulate the couple, many people also criticised the education activist because she had previously expressed some not-so-positive comments about marriage.

But recently, in an exclusive interview with British Vogue, Malala opened up about her decision to get married and said that: “In Asser, I found a best friend and companion.”

Malala said that she had previously issued a statement about the institution of marriage because of the hardships women usually face afterwards.

“Many girls I grew up with were married even before they had the opportunity to decide on a career for themselves. One friend had a child when she was just 14-years-old,” said Malala, adding that some of the girls she knew had to drop out of their schools because their families could not afford to send them to school, and decided to get them married instead.

“Their parents decided that their education was not worth the cost,” Malala told the magazine.

The 24-year-old activist said that at the time of the July interview, she had responded “knowing the dark reality many of [her] sisters face.”

“I found it hard to think of the concept of marriage, of one day being someone’s wife. I said what I had so often said before – that maybe it was possible that marriage was not for me,” Malala said.

Speaking about why she changed her mind about the concept of marriage, Malala said that after meeting Asser, who turned out to be her best friend, she questioned herself: “But what if there was another way?”

“With education, awareness and empowerment, we can start to redefine the concept of marriage and the structure of relationships, along with many other social norms and practices,” she said. “Culture is made by people – and people can change it too. My conversations with my friends, mentors and my now partner Asser helped me consider how I could have a relationship – a marriage – and remain true to my values of equality, fairness and integrity.”

Malala had announced her marriage on November 9, saying that she tied the knot during a small ceremony in Birmingham.

Taking to Twitter, the education activist wrote: “Today marks a precious day in my life. Asser and I tied the knot to be partners for life. We celebrated a small nikkah ceremony at home in Birmingham with our families. Please send us your prayers. We are excited to walk together for the journey ahead.”

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