A vigil for the Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by Taliban gunmen was held in Birmingham city centre on Thursday.
Malala Yousafzai is being treated at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital where she was last night said to be moving her limbs.
The 14-year-old was flown to the UK on Monday after being attacked for promoting the education of girls and criticising the militant group.
Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head by Taliban gunmen
Around 20 well-wishers from Women2Gether and Amina Women's Group gathered outside Birmingham Council House in the city's Victoria Square.
Many of those present at the vigil held candles, while others held banners proclaiming "I am Malala" in solidarity with the injured teenager, who was shot as she made her way home from school in north-west Pakistan.
Labour councillor Mariam Khan, who represents the Washwood Heath area of Birmingham, said she had decided to attend the vigil in a personal capacity and on behalf of her community.
Malala's plight has captured the imaginations of millions around the world
Ms Khan told reporters: "Everybody should have the right to freedom and we are standing in solidarity with Malala.
"Education is one of the key things that takes people forward. I went to school and I went to university and to think that there are people fighting just to go to school puts things into perspective."
'Brave Malala said what so many of us wish to say but we are too afraid,' one woman said
During the vigil, a statement was read out by a member of the Amina Women's Group, who declined to give her name.
The statement began: "Brave Malala said what so many of us wish to say but we are too afraid.
"A girl of 14 spoke out for the rights of women and girls in a region where fundamentalism is fighting to take hold.
"For this she was shot in the head. Like so many around the world, we are moved and inspired by her bravery and wish her and her friends a speedy recovery."
It comes after the Pakistani Taliban lashed out at media coverage of the shooting of Malala Yousafzai, claiming the criticism has been "biased."
More than 600 people from around the world have posted messages of support for Malala on the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust website.
Doctors at the hospital, which has a decade's experience of treating British military casualties, are now planning the reconstructive operations needed to treat her horrific injuries.
Dr Dave Rosser, the hospital's medical director, explained experienced surgeons are going over the procedures Malala will need as part of her "prolonged care" on the road to physical and psychological recovery.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack on 14-year-old Malala and said if she recovered she would not be spared
"It's obvious that Malala will need reconstructive surgery, and we have international experts in that field, so it's beginning to plan for reconstructive surgery," he said.
Yesterday a spokesman for the hospital said Malala remains in a stable condition and is continuing to impress doctors by responding well to her care.
The teenager was shot with two classmates as they made their way home from school in Swat, in the north west of Pakistan in what Foreign Secretary William Hague described as a "barbaric attack".
Malala was saved by neurosurgeons in a Pakistani military hospital and has since been in intensive care. She was transferred to the UK by an air ambulance arranged by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Her family remains in Pakistan.
Mr Hague has said: "Malala's bravery in standing up for the right of all young girls in Pakistan to an education is an example to us all.
"Our thoughts remain with Malala and her family at this difficult time.
"The public revulsion and condemnation of this cowardly attack shows that the people of Pakistan will not be beaten by terrorists.
"The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism."