You've known her as Mia Thermopolis, Princess of Genovia. Or maybe you think her most memorable role was Fantine in Les Misérables. And of course, can't forget Andy in The Devil Wears Prada. The theme here? Anne Hathaway's career is versatile. Over the years, she's taken on numerous roles, but her latest may be the most important — and no, it has nothing to do with movies. On Wednesday, Hathaway was named a U.N. Women's Global Goodwill Ambassador. Honestly, I can't think of a better fit. The 33-year-old has always championed her fellow women and this just takes those efforts a step further.
Hathaway shared the good news on Instagram and wrote,
Excited to be appointed Global Goodwill Ambassador of @UNWomen, the UN agency for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Honored to work with @UNWomen to ensure that all genders are able to fully and equally participate in the world economy. I think we can all agree it's long past the time for action.
If her new title sounds familiar, that's because Emma Watson serves this same U.N. role and continues to dedicate herself to the cause. To see such big-name stars, including an Oscar winner like Hathaway, fight for gender equality is so important. They have such a platform as actors and it's powerful to see them speak out about causes they care about.
Since Hathaway's dedication to equal rights is nothing new, let's take a look back at previous moments she spoke out or acted on behalf of women's empowerment.
Lending Her Voice To Girl Rising
In the documentary Girl Rising, Hathaway voices the story of Amina in Afghanistan. Amina is a child bride fighting gender limitations. As Girl Rising's website notes, "She is determined to reject the limitations prescribed by society and to lead others to do the same."
For Hathaway to participate and help tell Amina's story shows her dedication to speaking up for women all over the world.
Standing Up For Fantine
In her acceptance speech at the 2013 Oscars, Hathaway spoke up on behalf of her character Fantine. She said,
Here’s hoping someday in the not-too-distant future the misfortunes of Fantine will be only found in fiction and not in real life.
She may have been a fictional character, but the struggles are real-life issues women face.
Supporting The Girl Effect
Back in 2014, Hathaway and husband Adam Shulman used their spotlight for good. Borrowing a move from then-couple Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield, the pair held up signs in front of their faces, so that the paparazzi got snapshots of charity websites instead. On her sign, Hathaway wrote,
Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield had a great idea! Please check out: girleffect.org, feedingamerica.org, worldofchildren.org.
Girl Effect is an organization whose mission is "to change the world for girls, so that girls can change the world," according to its website.
Having Kesha's Back
Following Kesha’s claims of sexual assault against Dr. Luke (all of which he has repeatedly and publicly denied), Hathaway didn't hesitate to stand with the singer. She posted the above Instagram and wrote,
Kesha's situation is just one of all-too-many examples of how the legal system in this country fails to protect victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence, the vast majority of whom are women.
In speaking up for Kesha, she's showing support for other alleged victims of sexual assault.
Traveling To Support Causes
In 2012, Hathaway traveled to Kenya, where she met with women and girls to help speak out and raise awareness surrounding the issue of child brides. She told Fast Company,
I was meeting girls and hearing their stories. Your eyes start to adjust and you start to see incremental changes. And they’re real. This is the type of work that can’t be undone... You’re igniting their souls, and giving them confidence and tools they can use the rest of their lives. If you can affect one girl, it impacts four people in her life. It’s the most amazing return on your investment.
Now that sounds like a worthwhile use of her time.
Joining The Movement To End Violence Against Women
In her 2013 Glamour interview, Hathaway supported the One Billion Rising campaign, started by Vagina Monologues creator Eve Ensler. Speaking about the initiative — which is a global movement to end violence against women — she told the magazine,
It's hard to wrap my head around the fact that a billion women have been raped or beaten, just the enormity of that. When I was in college, I'd heard that one in four women would be raped, and I thought, God, that means I must know someone who was raped. Sure enough, I found out a week later that a friend had been. A billion is too big because one is too big.
Hathaway's history of fighting on behalf of equality — both in the U.S. and abroad — shows she's a great fit for her new gig. Can't wait to see all she accomplishes through U.N. Women.
