Human Interest Newlywed Malala Yousafzai Says Husband Changed Her Stance on Marriage: 'I Found a Best Friend' "I still don’t have all the answers for the challenges facing women — but I believe that I can enjoy friendship, love and equality in marriage," Malala Yousafzai wrote in a personal essay By Maria Pasquini Maria Pasquini Maria Pasquini is the staff editor for human interest’s digital vertical at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2017. People Editorial Guidelines Published on November 12, 2021 12:30PM EST Asser Malik and Malala Yousafzai. Photo: Asser Malik Twitter Malala Yousafzai is opening up why she decided to tie the knot despite her previous doubts about whether marriage was for her.In a personal essay for British Vogue, the 24-year-old women's rights advocate reflected on her marriage to Asser Malik, and how their relationship helped her "consider how I could have a relationship" and still "remain true to my values of equality, fairness and integrity.""'I do not want to get married... or at least not until I'm 35.' I heard myself blurt out those words – reactionary, half-consciously – many times over the last few years when asked about relationships," Yousafzai wrote at the start of the essay."I wasn't against marriage, but I was cautious about its practice," she added. "I feared losing my humanity, my independence, my womanhood – my solution was to avoid getting married at all. I couldn't call myself a feminist if I didn't have reservations." Everything to Know About Activist Malala Yousafzai's New Husband Asser MalikIn fact, just months before she did tie the knot, Yousafzai told British Vogue Malala Yousafzai's New Husband Shares Sweet Wedding Tribute: 'I Found the Most Supportive Friend'Opening up about the origins of their relationship for the first time, the Nobel Peace Prize winner revealed they met in the summer of 2018, while "Asser was visiting friends at Oxford" — her alma mater."He worked in cricket Although she realized marriage is far from a perfect institution, ultimately Yousafzai decided to tie the knot after realizing she had found the right person to walk through life with."I still don't have all the answers for the challenges facing women – but I believe that I can enjoy friendship, love and equality in marriage," she wrote. "So, on Tuesday, 9 November, we celebrated our nikkah at home with our families and closest friends.""We were thrilled to share this joyful surprise with everyone who cares for us – and we are excited for the journey ahead," she added.Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Asser Malik and Malala Yousafzai. Asser Malik Twitter One day after tying the knot, Malik — who works for the Pakistan Cricket Board — shared his own heartfelt tribute."In Malala, I found the most supportive friend, a beautiful and kind partner," he wrote on Twitter alongside a sweet shot of the couple cutting into a "victory cake" after their ceremony."I'm so excited to spend the rest of our life together," he added. "Thank you all for the wishes on our Nikkah."