Throughout 2023 we’re shining a light on some of those who inspire us throughout history and from around the world. Pioneers in science, technology, music, sport and beyond!
These incredible people can be found highlighted on our website home page too, but in these articles, we take a closer look at their stories and why we’re celebrating them.
During June we are celebrating Noble Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai.
Born in Mingora, Pakistan, in July 1997, Malala has become one of Pakistan’s most prominent citizens.
From an early age, she became switched on to activism and human rights, influenced heavily by her experiences living in Swat District, which was under the occupation of the Taliban movement up until the Pakistani military recaptured the area in 2009.
At the age of 11, in 2009, Malala wrote for BBC Urdu under the pseudonym of Gul Makai in which she spoke about her life under the Taliban occupation, achieving worldwide attention. Soon after, she was the subject of a New York Times documentary and went on to give multiple interviews before being nominated by Desmond Tutu for the International Children’s Peace Prize!
Unfortunately, her rapid rise to prominence gained her the attention of the Taliban who, when she was just 15, attempted to assassinate her in October 2012. They were not successful and – if anything – this amplified her voice and her presence to the world, sparking great outrage against the Taliban regime.
While injured she was moved to Birmingham, UK, and as she recovered from her injuries she began to focus on human rights with renewed vigour – particularly the right to education (which the Taliban ban for women in areas they control) – and founded the Malala Fund with that in mind.
She’s gone on to author an international best-selling book, receive numerous awards including Pakistan’s National Youth Peace Prize and in 2014, at just 17, a Nobel Peace Prize. She’s been included in Time Magazine’s most influential people in 2013, 2014 and 2015 and has gone on to graduate from Oxford University in 2020, returning in 2023 as the youngest honorary fellow of Linacre College. Malala has achieved so much for human rights, she’s undoubtedly one of the most iconic figures of the modern age.
“Let us make our future now and let us make our dreams tomorrow’s reality”.
What Malala means to us.
As we’ve established above, Malala has already achieved great things for human rights and indeed women’s rights. In her quote (above) we find some of our ethos reflected; a desire to dream – and build – a better future.
“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”
(and)
“Let us pick up our books and our pens, they are the most powerful weapons.”
Malala represents our continuous instinct, and our passion, for learning. Education – and the right to access to education – are something she’s fought for all her life.
We find ourselves privileged that we don’t need to fight, however, that makes it our responsibility to make good use of the gift of learning and not overlook the power and the potential that knowledge and education can bring.
That’s why we feel so strongly that an enduring passion for knowledge is a pillar of our ‘self’ at gravity9. In the fast-moving world of technology, it’s vital to stay abreast of new developments and ideally to lead them ourselves.
“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.”
Even at a very early age, Malala stood up to a regime that would prefer that she be silent. In doing so she displayed insurmountable bravery and strength of conviction. She understands that even against the odds, one voice can make all the difference in the world.
We’re inspired by that determination, that drive to make a difference and to stand by our convictions and values. We aim to use that strength to benefit our customers and our people – delivering the highest quality and the best experience. To build a company, culture and products that stand head and shoulders above the crowd.