The iconic Wonder Woman fictional character was named an Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Women and Girls on 21 October 2016, in support of Sustainable Development Goal 5 – to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
The designation ceremony coincided with the 75th anniversary of Wonder Woman's first appearance in a comic book in 1941. Wonder Woman has since then been depicted in movies and TV series. She is a global citizen and universally recognized for her commitment to justice, peace and equality and is seen as a model of strength, fairness and compassion becoming a symbol of empowerment for women and girls in much of the world.
“Think of All the Wonder We Can Do”
Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and therefore also half of its potential. But today, gender inequality persists everywhere and stagnates social progress. In many parts of the world women endure physical and sexual violence, face barriers to opportunities for leadership and education and receive less pay than men for equal work among other forms of discrimination.
Achieving gender equality and the empowerment globally is necessary for the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
The Wonder Woman campaign encourages digital and social media followers to speak out against discrimination and limitations on women and girls; join forces with others against gender-based violence and abuse; support full and effective participation and equal opportunity for women and girls in leadership; and ensure all women and girls have access to quality learning.
The campaign also highlights what we can collectively accomplish if women and girls are empowered and invites participants to share examples of women and girls who have made and are making a difference every day by overcoming barriers and beating the odds to reach their goals.