Malala brings her Girl Power Trip to presidents and prime ministers
Last month, Malala met with Kurdish, Iraqi and Nigerian leaders, who committed to prioritising girls’ education
During her recent trips to Iraqi-Kurdistan and Nigeria, Malala spent time with remarkable girls standing up for education. Girls like Najla, who escaped child marriage to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist and Amina, who mentors out-of-school girls in her community. Malala shared these stories during her meetings with Prime Minister Barzani of Kurdistan, Acting President Osinbajo of Nigeria and other government officials. Malala convinced the leaders to further support girls’ education — check out what they pledged!
Prime Minister Barzani of Kurdistan
While in Kurdistan, Malala met Nayir, a 13 year-old Iraqi girl whose family fled Mosul after ISIS captured her father. Nayir missed out on three years of school during ISIS occupation. She is now living at a camp for Mosul evacuees and back in the classroom. Although Nayir is grateful to continue her education, the conditions are still challenging. On the day of Malala’s visit, Nayir took exams in over 120°F temperatures (50°C) as the school does not have electricity or air conditioning units. They also lack many basic school supplies.
Malala shared this story while meeting with Prime Minister Barzani. He promised that his government would increase education spending to help girls like Nayir.
Iraqi Education Minister Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Omar and Kurdish Education Minister Pishtiwan Sadiq
As Mosul begins its reconstruction, Malala believes that the city’s future depends on the education of its youth. While in Iraq, Malala met with Tahany, a Mosul student who risked her life to salvage books from an ISIS-destroyed library. Tahany is committed to rebuilding her city and returning to the classroom — she just needs support from the government.
Malala jointly met with Iraqi Education Minister Dr. Iqbal Omar and Kurdish Education Minister Sadiq to discuss the state of girls’ education in Iraq and Kurdistan. The Education Ministers committed to working together to support girls’ education and welfare in their response to the liberation of Mosul.
Acting President Osinbajo of Nigeria
While in Nigeria, Malala met with the Acting President of Nigeria, Vice President Osinbajo. Malala brought with her a very special guest — Amina, a friend and fellow girls’ education advocate.
Malala asked that the Acting President declare a state of emergency for education.
Under the state of emergency, Malala asked the federal government to triple the proportion of the budget spent on education in the next three years to bring Nigeria in line with international benchmarks.
Malala also asked that the Acting President publish all federal government spending on education to ensure it is spent on quality improvements necessary to get the most children into school and learning.
Finally, Malala asked that he continue to work to encourage every state to adopt the Child Rights Act and enforce its provisions.
The Acting President acknowledged that Nigeria needs to “invest significantly” in education after listening to Malala.
Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima
During Malala’s visit to Maiduguri, she visited the Yerwa Government Girls Secondary School, a government-funded boarding school for girls. With her 15-year-old tour guide Tabitha, Malala saw firsthand what life is like for a girl whose education is supported by the Borno State government.
When Malala met with the Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima, she praised his support of girls’ education. She asked that he further his commitment by paying teachers at least the minimum wage for government workers as a core part of the education budget.
Additionally, she asked that the government provide “catch-up” education to support girls and boys who missed out on school for the past two to three years, ensuring they get back into the classroom as soon as possible.
Finally, she asked that Borno be the first state in the north east to adopt the Child Rights Act, which would send a powerful message to nearby states and to international education partners that the state is taking steps to prioritise girls’ education.
At their meeting, the Borno State Governor announced a “seismic shift” in education in Borno in the next six to nine months, potentially including a commitment to spend 40% of the state budget on education.
Malala kicked off her global #GirlPowerTrip in April to meet with girls and bring their messages to world leaders. Each girl has a unique story to tell — and their voices are our most powerful weapons in the fight for education and equality.
Malala’s Girl Power Trip is not over yet — next stop is Latin America! Sign up for updates from Malala Fund to learn more about Malala’s journey and get exclusive updates on where she’s headed next.
