Wonder Woman
Despite objections from its own staff and other people worldwide, the United Nations went ahead to appoint the DC Comics super heroine, Wonder Woman, its Honorary United Nations Ambassador for the Empowerment of Women and Girls.
The official announcement was made October 21 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City with UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon and president of DC Entertainment Diane Nelson in attendance.
But the stars of the day were Hollywood's two Wonder Women: Lynda Carter, who starred in the U.S. TV series from 1975 to 1979, and Gal Gadot, the current super heroine whose Wonder Woman movie will hit movie screens in 2017.
Carter gave an emotional speech about how Wonder Woman embodies the inner strength of every woman. Gadot said she cares for the people who care and "I'm here for a wonderful cause today."
The Amazon Princess Diana of Themyscira (Diana Prince in civilian guise) was bestowed the title of Honorary Ambassador ahead of the 75th anniversary of her first appearance in DC. She was introduced in All Star Comics #8 in December 1941.
The day of Wonder Woman's appointment also saw the start of a global campaign in support of the UN's Sustainable Development Goal Number 5 that aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Wonder Woman's image will be used by the UN on social media platforms to promote women's empowerment, and the fuller participation of women in public life. This campaign aimed at reaching young people is backed by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros., which produce both comics and films featuring Wonder Woman.
In the UN, an Honorary Ambassador is always a fictional character. The U.N. previously appointed Winnie the Pooh Honorary Ambassador of Friendship in 1998 and Tinker Bell Honorary Ambassador of Green in 2009.
On the other hand, Goodwill Ambassadors like Nicole Kidman and Anne Hathaway are persons.
Wonder Woman's appointment wasn't without controversy given her sexy looks and far too revealing costume, which to some seemed out of place in her role as Honorary Ambassador. Critics said Wonder Woman is too "sexualized" and unfit to be a role model for young women.
Some 50 U.N. staffers protested Wonder Woman's appointment on the day of her appointment by entering the Economic and Social Council chamber and turning their backs to the stage during the opening speech.
One protester was quoted as wondering if "a fictitious comic book characters wearing basically what looks like a Playboy-type bunny outfit is really the right message we need to send to girls or even boys for that matter."
