Malala and Apple Have Teamed Up to Change the World For Women in a Big Way
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Last year, Malala Yousafzai toured the world helping raise awareness and funds for girls' access to education. Now, the 20-year-old has just received huge backing from one of the biggest companies in the world, which could take the project to heights she never imagined.
Apple has teamed up with the Malala Fund to help the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate show the world that girls have the right to at least 12 years of free quality education in a safe environment. It's an issue close to Malala's heart, as she became well-known after being shot by the Taliban in her native Pakistan, simply for trying to get an education.
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The charity's collaboration with Apple will see its CEO, Tim Cook, join the leadership council, which focuses on improving access to technology, research, and a proper curriculum for young women. The tech giant's presence will help the Gulmakai Network — which already works in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Nigeria — broaden its funding to Latin America and India, with more than 100,000 girls benefiting from secondary-level education.
"My dream is for every girl to choose her own future," Malala said. "Through both their innovations and philanthropy, Apple has helped educate and empower people around the world. I am grateful that Apple knows the value of investing in girls and is joining Malala Fund in the fight to ensure all girls can learn and lead without fear."
It's thought that 130 million girls around the world don't go to school, and so since 2013, Malala has been striving to change that by working with governments and companies that can help make a difference.
"We believe that education is a great equalizing force, and we share Malala Fund's commitment to give every girl an opportunity to go to school," Cook said. "Malala is a courageous advocate for equality. She's one of the most inspiring figures of our time, and we are honored to help her extend the important work she is doing to empower girls around the world."