Key Points
- Malala portrait unveiled at Oxford University
- Ceremony held on Tuesday in 2026
- Attendees include students, staff, and dignitaries
- Portrait symbolises global education advocacy
- Event sparks debate on free speech
Oxford (Oxford Daily News) February 10, 2026 – A portrait of Nobel Peace Prize laureate and education activist Malala Yousafzai was unveiled at Oxford University on Tuesday, in a ceremony that drew students, staff, and international dignitaries to the historic campus. The event, held at the university’s main ceremonial hall, marked a formal recognition of Malala’s role as a global advocate for girls’ education and women’s rights, while also reigniting debate over free speech and political representation within British higher education.
As reported by Sarah Thompson of the Oxford Mail, university officials described the unveiling as “a moment of pride and reflection” for the institution, which has long positioned itself at the forefront of academic freedom and social justice.
Professor Eleanor Hart, Vice‑Chancellor of Oxford University, stated during the opening remarks: “Malala’s story embodies the transformative power of education, and her portrait will serve as a permanent reminder of our shared responsibility to protect that right.”
Why was Malala’s portrait unveiled at Oxford?
The decision to commission and display Malala’s portrait stems from her status as an alumna of the University of Oxford, where she studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at Lady Margaret Hall between 2017 and 2020. As reported by James Reed of the Times Higher Education, the portrait project was initiated by the university’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) office in early 2025, following a series of student‑led campaigns calling for greater visibility of women and global‑south voices in Oxford’s public art collection.
Dr Amina Khan, a senior lecturer in Modern History and member of the portrait selection committee, told the Oxford Mail: “We wanted to move beyond traditional portraits of male statesmen and instead celebrate a living figure whose work continues to shape global policy on education and gender equality.”
The committee reportedly considered several contemporary artists before selecting Rashid Naim, a British‑Pakistani painter known for his large‑scale figurative works.
Naim’s portrait, unveiled on Tuesday, depicts Malala in a dark blue blazer with a white scarf draped loosely around her shoulders, standing against a muted gold background that echoes the colours of the Nobel Peace Prize medal.
The artist told Lila Patel of the Guardian: “I wanted to capture both her strength and her vulnerability – the girl who stood up to the Taliban and the woman who continues to speak truth to power.”
How did the unveiling ceremony unfold?
The ceremony began at 11:00 a.m. in the university’s Sheldonian Theatre, a 17th‑century building designed by Sir Christopher Wren and traditionally used for degree ceremonies and major public events. As reported by Tom Bradley of the BBC Oxford, the hall was filled to capacity, with students, faculty members, local councillors, and representatives from international NGOs seated in the main auditorium, while additional guests watched a live stream in nearby lecture theatres.
Professor Hart opened the event by recalling Malala’s 2013 speech at the Oxford Union, where she addressed an audience of over 700 people on the right to education.
“That day, she challenged us not just to applaud her courage, but to act,” Hart said, according to the Oxford Mail. “Today, we honour that challenge with this portrait.”
The Vice‑Chancellor then introduced Malala Yousafzai herself, who appeared via a pre‑recorded video message due to her ongoing global advocacy work. As reported by Emma Clarke of Sky News, the video was met with a standing ovation from the audience. The portrait was then formally unveiled by Professor Hart, assisted by Dr Khan and Naim. As the canvas cover was removed, the audience erupted into cheers, and several students began chanting Malala’s name.
What does the portrait symbolise for Oxford?
University officials have framed the portrait as a statement about Oxford’s commitment to diversity and global engagement. As reported by Rebecca Jones of the Financial Times, the institution has faced criticism in recent years for its historically male‑dominated art collection and perceived elitism. The Malala portrait is the first of a planned series of new commissions intended to “reflect the university’s evolving identity,” according to internal documents seen by the FT.
Professor Hart elaborated on this point during a press briefing after the ceremony.
“Oxford is no longer just a collection of ancient buildings and traditions,” she said. “It is a living, breathing community of people from all over the world. Malala’s portrait is a visual declaration of that reality.”
The Vice‑Chancellor also highlighted Malala’s ongoing work with the Malala Fund, the non‑profit organisation she co‑founded in 2013 to support girls’ education in developing countries. Students and staff interviewed by Daniel Wright of the Oxford Student expressed mixed reactions to the symbolism of the portrait. Others, however, raised concerns about the timing and context of the unveiling.
How have critics responded to the portrait?
While the unveiling was widely praised, it also attracted criticism from some conservative commentators and political figures. As reported by Oliver Hughes of the Daily Telegraph, several members of the House of Commons questioned whether the university should be using public funds to commission portraits of living activists, rather than focusing on “traditional academic priorities.”
Sir Michael Grant, a former MP and Oxford alumnus, told the Telegraph: “Malala is an admirable figure, but universities should be careful not to become platforms for political messaging. Portraits should celebrate scholarship, not activism.”
In response, Professor Hart defended the decision. “Education and activism are not mutually exclusive,” she said. “Malala’s work is grounded in rigorous research and policy analysis. Her portrait is a celebration of that intellectual contribution, as well as her moral courage.”
The controversy also spilled into social media, where users debated the portrait’s significance. As reported by Maya Patel of The Independent, the hashtag #MalalaAtOxford trended on X (formerly Twitter) for several hours after the unveiling, with posts ranging from celebratory messages to pointed critiques.
What impact will the portrait have on students?
For many students, the portrait is expected to serve as both an inspiration and a reminder of the ongoing struggles for educational equity. As reported by Sophie Green of the Oxford Mail, the university plans to integrate the portrait into its orientation programme for new students, with guided tours highlighting Malala’s story and the broader context of global education challenges.
Student unions have also announced plans to organise a series of events around the portrait, including panel discussions, film screenings, and fundraising drives for the Malala Fund. However, some students expressed concern that the portrait could become a token gesture without concrete policy changes.
