Jonathan Yeo has unveiled the first painted portrait of the 16-year-old Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai.

The campaigner made headlines in 2012 when she protested for the right for women to attend school in her native country – and was subsequently shot by the Taliban.

She was subsequently flown to Britain for emergency treatment after being wounded in the head by a gunman.

Earlier this month she opened the new Birmingham Library with a speech saying that even “one book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world”.

Her picture will go on display as part of Yeo’s forthcoming exhibition at London’s National Portrait Gallery opening on September 11, 2013.

The show will feature portraits of other well-known figures painted by Yeo, including Damien Hirst and Kevin Spacey.

Yousafzai said in a statement: “I am honoured that the National Portrait Gallery should wish to hang my picture and touched that Jonathan asked to paint me.

“I think that he has really captured me in the image. Jonathan has been extremely kind in donating the portrait to The Malala Fund and it is wonderful to know that many children will ultimately be able to benefit from the money raised from its sale.”

She was awarded the National Youth Peace Prize in 2011.

Jonathan Yeo Portraits, National Portrait Gallery, September 11, 2013 – January 5, 2014