The Representation of Existentialist Feminism in Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai

Abstract

Educating kids about existentialist feminism is crucial for developing principles of equality and respect for all genders from a young age. Malala’s Magic Pencil is one of the children’s picture books that represents the concept of existentialist feminism. This study is considered a qualitative study. Hall's theory of representation, which focuses on a discursive approach, is used to examine the verbal data, while Barthes' semiotic theory is applied to identify the visual data. Beauvoir’s existentialist feminist philosophy is used to interpret existentialist feminism in Malala's Magic Pencil. The findings in this study, as illustrated in the picture book Malala’s Magic Pencil, highlight issues of gender inequality, limited access to education, and the struggle for freedom within oppressive social structures. Ultimately, Malala’s Magic Pencil serves as a meaningful representation of existentialist feminism in children's literature, encouraging young readers to develop empathy, awareness, and the courage to confront injustice.