Black Panther’s ‘General Okoye’ joins the fight against gender-based violence

This article is brought to you in association with the United Nations. Danai Gurira, one of the stars of hit movies “Black Panther” and “Avengers: Infinity War,” in her role as General Okoye, has been named a Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women, lending her name and dedicating her support to gender equality and women’s rights. “UN Women is delighted to welcome Danai Gurira in her new role as Goodwill Ambassador to support our work on gender equality,” said Under-Secretary-General and UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, adding: “as an author, playwright, actor and activist in pursuit of women’s empowerment and gender equality with her sharp human rights lens, she is uniquely qualified to communicate and inspire.” The UN Women chief described Ms. Gurira as an influential role model in both her personal and professional lives, and said that she is looking forward to her driving action on gender equality in communities across the world. “I am honoured to join the UN Women family today,” said Ms. Gurira. “My passion for women and girls has been my focus in the narratives I create as well as the roles I have been able to play. I have always sought to push the boundaries and tell the stories of those who are often marginalized and unheard. I am delighted to partner with UN Women to amplify many more stories from around the world, and give a voice to those who are working relentlessly to make gender equality a reality.” On Sunday, Ms. Gurira was introduced as the newest UN Women Goodwill Ambassador at the “Global Citizen Festival Mandela 100” in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she and Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka will also engage with over 200 young women leaders at the African Leadership Academy, discussing their challenges and experiences within academia and the work force, and in ending violence against women. The announcement of Ms. Gurira’s new role comes during UN Women’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence advocacy campaign, which seeks to broaden the global conversation and highlight the voices and activism of all survivors of violence and advocates around the world, many of whom are often missing from the media headlines and social media discussions.