Malala Yousafzai began the new year by announcing a major humanitarian grant focused on girls living through armed conflict. The Nobel laureate revealed a $300,000 funding initiative aimed at supporting education and emergency relief efforts.
The grant will benefit girls affected by the ongoing war in Gaza, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Malala shared the announcement through Instagram, identifying three grassroots organisations working directly within these conflict zones.
Each selected organisation is actively providing education, access to mental health support, and lifesaving aid for women and children. Alongside the announcement, Malala issued a strong message criticising global leaders for their inaction on children’s rights.
She urged governments worldwide to show courage by protecting girls’ right to learn amid devastating wars. Malala wrote: “To governments: may you find a fraction of the courage these girls show every day and take action to protect their right to learn.” She also addressed international institutions, including the United Nations, calling for stronger enforcement of international law.
Malala demanded that global bodies prioritise safety, dignity and education for children trapped in conflict environments. In Gaza, the Malala Fund will collaborate with the Taawon Welfare Association, supporting displaced children through learning spaces.
The organisation helps children maintain educational routines while also offering psychological care during ongoing devastation. “For children in Gaza education remains one of the few anchors of safety, structure and hope amid ongoing devastation.
“They deserve classrooms, protection, and dignity, not hunger or the loss of a future.” Funding for Sudan will go to the Mutual Aid Sudan Coalition, a women-led grassroots humanitarian organisation. Its Women’s Response Rooms provide food, medical referrals and protection for women affected by armed violence.
The coalition also supports survivors of gender based violence while offering safe environments for children.