VOICES OF RESISTANCE: A FEMINIST STYLISTIC ANALYSIS OF MALALA YOUSAFZAI’S 2013 UN SPEECH THROUGH SARA MILLS’ THEORY

Abstract

This paper investigates the intersection of the feminist stylistics and political discourse by applying Sara Mills’ feminist stylistic theory to Malala Yousafzai’s 2013 United Nations speech. It explores how lexical options; positioning of the subject and rhetorical techniques represents feminist ideologies and resist patriarchal dominance. A qualitative textual analysis method employed in the study shows that Malala’s speech incorporates strategic use of inclusive, empowering, and agentive language to break gender stereotypes and magnifies marginalized voices. This paper points out the way discourse can be a strong instrument in the hands of social resistance and advocacy by paying attention to the issue of feminist language use.