Women’s rights activist Malala Yousafzai has signed a deal with Apple TV+ to produce documentaries, dramas and comedies focusing on women and young people.
Ms Yousafzai, 23, became a household name after she survived a Taliban assassination attempt aged 15 and went on to become the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 2014 for her work to protect children from slavery, extremism and child labour.
Apple said the “multi-year programming partnership” would draw on Ms Yousafzai’s “ability to inspire people around the world”, adding that content from her new production company Extracurricular would also include animation and children’s series.
“I believe in the power of stories to bring families together, forge friendships, build movements, and inspire children to dream,” Ms Yousafzai said, as part of the tech company’s statement.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to support women, young people, writers, and artists in reflecting the world as they see it.”
Ms Yousafzai, originally from Pakistan, was shot in the head by a gunman while riding a bus to school. She had been an outspoken advocate for girls’ right to an education, which went against the Taliban’s laws denying almost all teaching for women.
“I want to inspire women and girls to believe in themselves, to step forward, and make the change that they want to see happen,” the Oxford University graduate told the BBC on Monday.
Ms Yousafzai added it was important her programmes were “optimistic” but did not “deny the reality”.
“There are things that are not fair,” she said. “There is inequality, there is racism, there is sexism, there is discrimination, so we cannot deny that but I am optimistic about the change that we can bring.”
The latest partnership by Apple TV+ adds to the platform’s growing roster of top names including Steven Spielberg, Jennifer Aniston, Martin Scorsese, Octavia Spencer and Alfonso Cuarón.
During her explosive interview with Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which aired in the UK on Monday, Oprah Winfrey also confirmed that she and the prince were producing a “mental health series” for the subscription-led streaming service.
