Anne Hathaway Named Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women

Posted on August 18, 2016

Actress Anne Hathaway has been named Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women. UN Women is the United Nations organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. The UN says Anne will put a spotlight on the issue of the unequal burden of care work in the home as one of the key barriers to gender equality. She will also work internationally to advance the adoption and implementation of policies that will bring measurable change.

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Under-Secretary-General and UN Women Executive Director, says in a statement, "The appointment of Anne is timely because this year UN Women is driving hard to foster more positive mindsets and practical arrangements around workplaces that build and support equality for women. The 'motherhood penalty' - which means that when they become mothers, women’s pay and opportunities at work suffer—is a particularly insidious demonstration of gender inequality in the workplace. For too long it has been difficult or impossible to view raising a child as being truly an equal responsibility for both parents."

Anne says in a statement, "I feel honoured and inspired by this opportunity to aid in advancing gender equality. Significant progress has already been made but it is time that we collectively intensify our efforts and ensure that true equality is finally realized."

Anne Hathaway previously served as an advocate for Nike Foundation and traveled to Kenya and Ethiopia to raise awareness on child marriage. She also narrated the 2013 CNN documentary film, Girl Rising, which focused on the power of female education as it followed seven girls around the world.

Here's a video of Anne Hathaway speaking at the UN Observance of International Women's Day 2017.

ANNE HATHAWAY