MUMBAI: Nat Geo had launched a fund raising initiative, #StandWithGirl, to support education and empowerment of the girl child on 15 February. The initiative has received support from celebrities Shabana Azmi, Sushmita Sen, Dia Mirza and Gul Panag. Viewers too can help the girl child initiative by donating to #StandWithGirl initiative onwww.standwithagirl.com.

On the occasion of International Women's Day on 8 March, Nat Geo will air the television premiere of documentary He Named Me Malala at 9 pm. 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. The premiere of this special Nat Geo Megadoc of the Month and will be completely commercial-free.

Commenting on the initiative and the television premiere, FOX Networks Group India business head Swati Mohan 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 further 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."