UN Women declares ‘Walking Dead’ actress Danai Gurira as Goodwill Ambassador

During the global annual advocacy campaign, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (November 25 to December 10), UN Women announced the appointment of internationally renowned award-winning actor-playwright Zimbabwean-American actress Danai Gurira as its Goodwill Ambassador on December 2. As a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, the 'Black Panther' actress Gurira will lend her name and dedicate her support to putting a spotlight on gender equality and women's rights, as well as bringing unheard women's voices front and centre.

"UN Women is delighted to welcome Danai Gurira in her new role as Goodwill Ambassador to support our work on gender equality. As a 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. She recognizes the challenges of intersectionality and will connect with the diversity of women living on the margins of society," said Under-Secretary-General and UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

"Her engagement with us will bring generations of girls greater belief in a positive future. As an influential role model in both her personal and professional life and a voice for those who have not yet been heard, we look forward to her ability to drive action on gender equality in communities across the world," she reiterated.

Gurira is the first Black American-Zimbabwean Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Women. She is most commonly referred to as General Okoye' by her fans, due to her recent on-screen persona in Marvel's blockbuster phenomenon 'Black Panther' and in the film 'Avengers: Infinity War.'

"I am honoured to join the UN Women family today. 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," Gurira said.

"We are at an urgent time, a time where our participation is crucial to ensure that all women and girls, no matter where they live, where they grow up or where they work, are in a world where their potential can be fully actualized; a world of true equality," she added.

In South Africa, the Executive Director and Gurira will also engage with over 200 young women leaders at the African Leadership Academy, discussing their challenges and experiences within academia and the workforce, and in ending violence against women, as part of the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence global campaign.

BREAKING:We're excited to announce @DanaiGurira as our new global Goodwill Ambassador! #GlobalCitizenFestivalSA More: https://t.co/BeHvRxJ60K pic.twitter.com/SOqewKIa18

— UN Women (@UN_Women) December 2, 2018