It isn’t just any coincidence that Malala grew up to become a headstrong activist on education. Her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, raised her to believe that she has just as much of a right to education as anyone else. In this TED Talk, he speaks of his daughter with love, respect, and pride, something that is not very common in fathers within patriarchal societies like Malala’s.

Normally, he says that girls are taught to be obedient, and act humble, quiet, and submissive. Ziauddin had different plans for his daughter. He named her after Malalai of Maiwand, a legendary freedom fighter from Afghanistan. He enrolled her in his school when she was four, and worked very hard to have her and her siblings “unlearn” the societal lessons of obedience.

No matter the country, parents play a huge role in inspiring their children. Malala would have had a much harder battle to fight if she first had to overcome her father’s disapproval. But she does have the strength and support of her parents behind her. Check out Ziauddin’s full TED Talk to hear about Malala’s childhood and the obstacles they’ve overcome as a family.