Final answer:
Malala Yousafzai was shot by the Taliban because she advocated for girls' right to education, opposing the Taliban's oppressive policies against women.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main reason that the Taliban shot Malala Yousafzai in 2012 was because she had spoken publicly in favor of girls' right to education. The Taliban, under their extremist interpretation of Islamic law, had removed women from positions in hospitals, schools, and work environments. They enforced strict dress codes and punished violators severely. Malala's advocacy for education and her rising prominence as a voice against the Taliban's policies made her a target. Her shooting brought international attention to the struggle for women's rights and education in regions under Taliban control.