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Feminism, violence against women and gender equality were just some of the topics Emma Watson touched upon when she took center stage at United Nations headquarters in New York on Saturday. The U.N. Women goodwill ambassador, best-known for playing know-it-all Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” movies, launched the organization’s HeForShe campaign, aimed at getting men involved in stopping violence against women and fighting for gender equality.
In a nearly 11-minute speech that Vanity Fair dubbed “game-changing,” Emma set the record straight about women’s rights (it’s not “man-hating”) and pushed against recent anti-feminism trends (“I decided that I was a feminist. This seemed uncomplicated to me. But my recent research has shown me that feminism has become an unpopular word. Women are choosing not to identify as feminists.”)
Emma is far from the first celeb who has used his or her star power to shine a light on special causes. For decades, the U.N. has called on celebrities to use their fame for good. These are just a few of the many celebs who have helped make a global impact as UNICEF goodwill ambassadors.
David Beckham
Reuters Photo
UNICEF goodwill ambassador, focuses on UNICEF’s “Sports for Development” program.
Orlando Bloom
Getty Images
UNICEF goodwill ambassador, focusing on the rights of children around the world.
Don Cheadle
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Getty Images
U.N. Environment Program goodwill ambassador, focuses on raising green awareness among millions of people around the planet and drawing attention to ways to deal with issues like pollution and environmental-based conflict.
Angelina Jolie
Getty Images
Special envoy of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, focuses on major crises resulting in mass population displacements, undertaking advocacy and representing UNHCR at the diplomatic level, and engaging with decision-makers on global displacement issues.
Ricky Martin
AFP/Getty Images
UNICEF goodwill ambassador, focuses on supporting UNICEF’s efforts in fighting for children’s rights, especially in the area of child trafficking.
Liam Neeson
Getty Images
UNICEF goodwill ambassador, focuses on helping children overcome poverty, violence, disease and discrimination across the world.
Katy Perry
AFP/Getty Images
UNICEF goodwill ambassador, focuses on engaging young people in the agency’s work to improve the lives of the world most vulnerable children and adolescents.
Charlize Theron
Los Angeles Times
U.N. messenger of peace, focuses on the prevention of HIV and the elimination of violence against women.
Serena Williams
Reuters Photo
UNICEF goodwill ambassador, focuses on providing a quality education for the most vulnerable children through the Schools for Africa program and the upcoming Schools for Asia initiatives.
Shakira
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UNICEF goodwill ambassador, focuses on increasing awareness of UNICEF’s work in areas such as HIV/AIDS, education and child protection.