Anne (“please, call me Annie”) Hathaway may be best known to movie fans as a princess, the spoiled wife of a closeted cowboy, or Catwoman. 

But to the Nike Foundation’s Maria Eitel, she has become an essential partner. “She’s super authentically committed,” says Eitel.

 “Annie did a World Bank event at a critical time for us when we really needed to get the attention of mid-level staffers to get them to move stuff around autocrats. 

Usually you only get 50 people to show up for a World Bank event. We had, like, over 500.”

When Fast Company spoke to Hathaway this spring on the subject of Extraordinary Women,

 she was wrapping up work on her latest film, Les Misérables. She was, as promised, super authentically committed.

ANNE HATHAWAY: It was my parents. I was raised to consider my own privilege. We were not a wealthy family, but we had more than a lot of people. 

My parents made sure we were aware–we worked in soup kitchens and talked about women’s issues.

I was a child of the ’90s. It had a huge impact on me to be raised to believe that my gender was neither a benefit nor an obstacle. That is not the norm for a lot of people in the world.

Anne Hathaway, an Academy Award-winning actress renowned for her talent and versatility, has also emerged as a powerful advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. In a compelling interview with Fast Company, Hathaway shared her perspectives on the extraordinary women who inspire her and the ways she leverages her celebrity status to amplify the voices of girls and women around the world. Her commitment to advocacy and social justice underscores the depth of her influence beyond the silver screen.

Hathaway began by reflecting on the extraordinary women who have shaped her worldview. She spoke passionately about the importance of role models and mentors, particularly those who have broken barriers and paved the way for others. Among the women she admires are trailblazers in various fields—scientists, activists, artists, and leaders—who have demonstrated resilience, intelligence, and compassion in their pursuits. Hathaway highlighted figures such as Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the late Supreme Court Justice known for her unwavering dedication to gender equality and justice.

These women, Hathaway explained, serve as beacons of hope and inspiration, showing what is possible when courage and determination intersect. Their stories fuel her own commitment to advocacy, motivating her to use her platform to make a difference. Hathaway emphasized that acknowledging and celebrating these extraordinary women is crucial, not only to honor their achievements but also to inspire the next generation of female leaders.

Transitioning to her own efforts, Hathaway discussed the various ways she uses her celebrity status to advocate for girls and women. Recognizing the significant influence she wields as a public figure, Hathaway has dedicated herself to causes that promote gender equality, education, and empowerment. One of her primary roles is as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, a position she has held since 2016. In this capacity, Hathaway focuses on issues such as paid parental leave and economic empowerment for women, leveraging her platform to raise awareness and drive change.

Hathaway’s advocacy is deeply personal. She often speaks about her experiences and the lessons she has learned, using her voice to highlight the systemic barriers that women face. She is particularly passionate about addressing the challenges faced by young girls, advocating for their right to education, safety, and opportunities. Hathaway believes that by investing in girls and ensuring they have the resources and support they need, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

One of the key initiatives Hathaway supports is the HeForShe campaign, a solidarity movement for gender equality initiated by UN Women. The campaign encourages men and boys to become advocates for gender equality, recognizing that achieving true equality requires the participation of all genders. Hathaway’s involvement in HeForShe underscores her belief in the power of collective action and the importance of engaging allies in the fight for women’s rights.

In addition to her work with UN Women, Hathaway is an advocate for the Girl Up campaign, an initiative of the United Nations Foundation that aims to empower and educate adolescent girls globally. Through Girl Up, Hathaway supports programs that provide girls with leadership training, education, and advocacy skills, enabling them to become change-makers in their communities. She frequently participates in events and speaking engagements, using these platforms to amplify the voices of girls and share their stories with a wider audience.

Hathaway’s advocacy extends to her work in the entertainment industry as well. She is a vocal proponent of greater representation and diversity in film and television, advocating for more roles and opportunities for women, particularly those from marginalized communities. She believes that storytelling is a powerful tool for social change, and that by creating and promoting diverse narratives, the industry can challenge stereotypes and inspire broader societal shifts.

Throughout her career, Hathaway has demonstrated a commitment to using her influence for good. Her advocacy is not merely performative but is rooted in genuine passion and a deep sense of responsibility. She understands the privilege that comes with her platform and is determined to use it to create positive change. Hathaway’s efforts to amplify the voices of girls and women reflect her belief in the transformative power of advocacy and the importance of fighting for a more just and equitable world.

In conclusion, Anne Hathaway’s reflections on extraordinary women and her use of celebrity to champion the rights of girls everywhere highlight her as a significant figure in the realm of social justice. Her dedication to advocacy, coupled with her admiration for the trailblazers who inspire her, underscores a profound commitment to making a difference. Through her work with UN Women, Girl Up, and her efforts to promote diversity in the entertainment industry, Hathaway continues to be a powerful advocate for gender equality and empowerment, using her voice to drive meaningful change and inspire future generations.

 Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.

Source: New York Post