What is Malala Day and why is it held?

Malala Day is marked on 12 July each year to bring attention to the fact that lots of children, especially girls, aren't able to go to school.

The day is named after the activist Malala Yousafzai, who from a young age has spoken out about girls having the right to an education.

Malala is from Pakistan and was shot by a military group called the Taliban in 2012, when she was just 15 years old.

After recovering from the attack Malala continued her work and became the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

The date is also her birthday and the day she spoke to the United Nations (UN) in 2013.

What is Malala's story?

Malala won the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 17

Malala began speaking about education rights in 2008 when she was 11, while she was living under the rule of the Taliban who wanted to ban girls' education.

Her father was a teacher and ran a girls’ school in their village, but it was shut down.

Malala wrote an anonymous diary about what life was like, how she wanted to stay in education and how girls should be able to go to school.

She continued to speak out and became known internationally.

But the Taliban didn't like this, and because of what she said she was shot in October 2012.

Malala was treated for her injuries in the UK where she then started a new life with her family.

When was Malala Day created?

Soon after leaving hospital, Malala launched an education fund called the Malala Fund to help girls around the world.

In 2013, on her 16th birthday, she gave a speech to the United Nations (UN). This where leaders from most countries around the world meet.

It was a big deal and she spoke about her passion - the importance of being able to get an education.

The UN then made 12 July Malala Day.

What happens on Malala Day?

Malala Day is to raise awareness and support so every child is given the chance to learn.

Every year Malala spends her birthday meeting with girls from different countries. She learns about their lives and the challenges they face in getting their education.

This year that time is dedicated to Afghan girls. Currently the Taliban has stopped girls’ secondary education in Afghanistan.

Malala met with Afghan students and their classmates at a school in London this week.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) says there are still 122 million girls out of education around the world.

The Malala Fund is helping organisations to keep girls learning.

Malala has said: “Malala Day is not my day. Today is the day of every woman, every boy and every girl who have raised their voice for their rights.”