Malala Yousafzai experienced a joyous full-circle moment while attending Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour at London’s Wembley Stadium, which she dubbed her “first-ever proper concert.”
The Nobel Peace Prize winner shared the memorable event in a series of photos posted to her Instagram Carousel Saturday. The photos feature her attending the concert with her husband, Asser Malik, and friends—swappable friendship bracelets in tow.
The photo series also depicts throwback images of her and her best friend during a childhood field trip in her hometown of Swat Valley, accompanied by a story of Swift’s significance in her life.
“One of my favorite memories from Swat Valley is a field trip I took in middle school with my best friend, Moniba (second photo, on the left),” the education activist wrote. “Giggling, we went to a waterfall hidden away in a lush green mountain. We were so excited because we were finally allowed to go to school again and could be outdoors with our friends, laughing and singing together.”
She continued, “Having lived through a time where music and art were banned, music felt like a gift. Moniba and I found the highest rock we could, climbed on top of it and announced to all of our classmates and teachers we were going to perform our new favourite song called LOVE STORY. We sang with all of our heart, taking in the joy we felt every second. That’s where my Swiftie journey began. It feels magical that my first-ever proper concert would be to see @TaylorSwift, singing along to every song surrounded by friends.”
Yousafzai concluded the caption with a reminder that the Taliban (which banned music and television in her village in 2008) is still occupying Afghanistan.
“Three years ago, the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan. Once again, music no longer plays on the streets, and girls and women are barred from school, work and public life,” she wrote. “In Swat, music made my friends and me feel confident and free. And one day I hope we will live in a world where every girl will be able to enjoy music and live out her wildest dreams.💖”
