What does Malala mean when she says her home country is centuries behind Birmingham, England?

1 answer

When Malala Yousafzai mentions that her home country, Pakistan, is "centuries behind Birmingham, England," she is likely referring to the significant differences in societal development, education, women's rights, and opportunities available to people in each place. Birmingham, being a city in a developed country like the United Kingdom, typically has greater access to education, healthcare, and social services, as well as more progressive views on gender equality and personal freedoms.

Malala's statement underscores the challenges that individuals, particularly women and girls, face in her home country, where cultural, social, and political barriers can hinder progress and access to basic rights. By comparing her country to Birmingham, she highlights the need for change and improvement in her own society, advocating for education and empowerment, especially for young women, as a means to bridge this gap. Her experiences and activism are rooted in the belief that education is a key factor in advancing society and providing opportunities for all.