Despite the fact that Malala grew up in a society that prized sons, she had been treasured and taught to stand up for what she believed in for her entire life. Malala was born into a lower middle class family in the Swat Valley of Pakistan. Her parents provided her with a wealth of support and cherished her while living in a society where women are not equal …show more content…
Growing up, Malala Yousafzai had a thirst for knowledge and education. This most likely stemmed from her father's influence. Ziauddin Yousafzai is a powerful education activist who ran a learning institute in the city where Malala grew up. Malala and her father both have been very critical of the Taliban's view on girls’ education (Nobelprize.org). In accordance with his prior beliefs that boys and girls should be educated as equals, he continues to promote equal education for all. He encourages his daughter to write and attend school (Lamb and Yousafzai, 34, 38). The Malala Fund website quotes her father: "Basic education begins to unlock potential, but it is secondary education that provides the wings that allow girls to fly." He has always wanted his daughter to have the resources to become anything she desired. Ziauddin Yousafzai’s influence on Malala has impacted her in many ways, from his passion for educational equality to his burning love for his