Anne Hathaway is the latest Hollywood figure to be appointed by the United Nations as a global goodwill ambassador to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women. The Oscar-winning actor joins Nicole Kidman, Emma Watson and Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol of Thailand as fellow women’s goodwill ambassadors.

Hathaway has been brought on board to shed a spotlight on what UN Women’s executive director, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, described in a statement as the “motherhood penalty”.

Significant progress has already been made, but it is time that we collectively intensify our efforts and ensure that true equality is finally realized.

“It is a particularly insidious demonstration of gender inequality in the workplace,” Mlambo-Ngucka said on Wednesday. “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.”

Image: Anne Hathaway (credit: John Sciulli/Getty Images)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IytZJT6JrXA