Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai recently got married to Asser Malik, General Manager High Performance for the Pakistan Cricket Board. However, the 24-year-old was trolled online for marrying despite saying that she doesn’t understand why people have to get married, in an earlier interview with Vogue. She was even labeled a ‘hypocrite’ for choosing what suits her best.
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.
📸: @malinfezehai pic.twitter.com/SNRgm3ufWP— Malala (@Malala) November 9, 2021
Now, in a recent interview with British Vogue, the newlywed bride opened up about her refined notion on marriage Finally speaking up why earlier she didn’t believe in the institution of marriage, the human rights activist said, “I wasn’t against marriage, but I was cautious about its practice.”
“I questioned the patriarchal roots of the institution, the compromises women are expected to make after the wedding, and how laws regarding relationships are influenced by cultural norms and misogyny in many corners of the world. I feared losing my humanity, my independence, my womanhood – my solution was to avoid getting married at all.”
In Malala, I found the most supportive friend, a beautiful and kind partner — I'm so excited to spend the rest of our life together.
Thank you all for the wishes on our Nikkah. In following our cricket team's tradition, we had to do a victory cake cutting. pic.twitter.com/KSGQOHsY64
— Asser Malik (@MalikAsser) November 10, 2021
Sharing how Asser changed the way she now looks at marriage, she said, “In Asser, I found a best friend and companion.”
“I still don’t have all the answers for the challenges facing women – but I believe that I can enjoy friendship, love and equality in marriage.”
On November 9th, the couple celebrated their nikkah at home with their families and closest friends in Birmingham.
Every person that enters our life teaches us something. For Malala, Asser brought a fresh new perspective and gave a new meaning to marriage. We wish nothing but happiness for the newlyweds.