The Louis Theroux Podcast S6 EP4: Malala Yousafzai discusses misrepresentations of Islam, the Taliban's ‘gender apartheid’, and her views on marriage
6 snips
Oct 28, 2025 
Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and passionate advocate for girls' education, shares her insights on powerful topics. She discusses the misrepresentation of Islam and the impact of the Taliban's gender apartheid on women's rights. Malala reflects on her university life and a traumatic experience that reshaped her views on mental health. She emphasizes the importance of choice in marriage, critiques extremist movements, and calls for understanding and empathy worldwide. Her activism seeks to empower local voices against oppression.
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Jeans Photo That Shocked Home
- Malala describes a viral photo of her in jeans and a bomber jacket at Oxford that provoked backlash in Pakistan.
- She expected anonymity at university but faced trolls accusing her of rejecting Islam and culture.
Islam Prioritises Choice And Learning
- Malala explains Islam emphasises modesty, free will and seeking knowledge rather than strict dress codes.
- She stresses there's 'no compulsion in religion' and that cultural dress varies across Muslim countries.
Round‑The‑Clock Oxford Security
- Malala recounts 24/7 plainclothes Met Police security stationed outside her Oxford room during her studies.
- Officers adjusted to student life but sometimes stood out at parties and late-night events.
