USAID's Malala Scholarship Act — Empowering Pakistani Women (2025 Update)

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📜 What Is the Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act?

Passed by US Congress in March 2020, this act mandates USAID to allocate at least 50% of expenses-based scholarships for Pakistani women under the Merit & Needs-Based Scholarship Program through 2022

🎯 Why It Matters for Pakistan's Women

• Only ~9% of Pakistani women earn bachelor’s degrees, compared to 30% of men—this Act aims to close that gap 
• USAID funded ~6,000 scholarships for Pakistani women before 2012; this Act strengthens that commitment 

🇵🇰 Who Can Benefit?

• Pakistani women applying for undergraduate or graduate programs
• Must follow existing USAID criteria—merit + proven financial need 
• Open across disciplines, especially fields that improve employability 

🗓 Impact Timeline

• Act passed: Nov 2020; implemented Jan 2021–2022 
• USAID briefs Congress annually on gender-disaggregated awards {index=21}
• Similar advocacy can potentially extend it beyond 2022

📌 What Female Students Should Do

• Contact HEC or university aid office to verify gender quotas
• Ensure your application clearly outlines financial need
• Emphasize leadership and women's empowerment in your SOP

💡 Final Thoughts

The Malala Act ensures equitable opportunity for Pakistani women. If you qualify, apply confidently—and consider earning support through scholarships aimed at female leadership and access.

Need SOP or application help? We assist Pakistani women applicants — CONTACT US