“One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world”, says Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, the global icon of girl child education. Working in the same direction, National Geographic (Nat Geo) is looking to mark International Women’s Day in a way that makes a difference. In line with the Nat Geo legacy to educate and illuminate minds, Nat Geo launched #StandWithAGirl on February 15, 2016. A unique fund raising initiative to support education and empowerment of the girl-child, #StandWithAGirl has also received support from celebrities like Shabana Azmi, Sushmita Sen, Dia Mirza and Gul Panag.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Nat Geo is airing the television premiere of the critically acclaimed feature documentary ‘He Named Me Malala’ on March 8, at 9pm. Being premiered as the Nat Geo’s Megadoc for March, He Named Me Malala is the story of Malala who braved bullets to further the cause of girls’ education and showed everyone the importance of standing up for girls’ rights. (Every month, the Megadoc of the month features larger than life documentaries of global significance) This premiere of this special Nat Geo Megadoc of the Month will be completely commercial-free.
Commenting on the initiative and the exclusive television premiere, Swati Mohan, Business Head, India, FOX Networks Group said, “Malala’s is an iconic story that inspires women across the globe. Her voice has helped bring the much-needed focus on education for the girl-child. As an institution, Nat Geo has always believed in empowering people with knowledge and we are delighted to introduce the #StandWithAGirl initiative. Premiering commercial-free, a documentary film of the scale of Oscar shortlist He Named Me Malala, is in line with our commitment to continue bringing to viewers, the gold standard of spectacular storytelling.
Actor Sushmita Sen added, “It’s time to raise our voice against illiteracy and inequality. I support girl’s education with all my heart. We all need to stand up to fight all obstacles that come in the way of our daughters’ education. The least we can do is to communicate the significance of education and empowerment of our country’s daughters.”
Viewers too can help in taking the cause of girl child education to the next level and make an impact in the lives of our girls by donating to the #StandWithAGirl initiative on www.standwithagirl.com On the website, viewers can directly donate money to any one of the following nonprofit organisations – Educate Girls, Nanhi Kali, Magic Bus, IAM Foundation and Mijwan Welfare Society. All these organizations work diligently for the empowerment and education of girls and women.
To know more and donate, visit http://www.standwithagirl.com
