In a passionate appeal against violence towards women, renowned American actress Natalie Portman addressed the United Nations Assembly during the “Acceleration Day” of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Portman’s involvement in the UN’s “Spotlight Initiative” program, combating global violence against women, took center stage during this impactful summit.
UN summit highlights Natalie Portman’s dedication
The “Acceleration Day” of SDG witnessed committed individuals sharing their initiatives, including noteworthy projects like “Generation Equality,” “Cross-SDG,” and the globally significant “Spotlight Initiative,” championed by Natalie Portman. Melissa Fleming, a UN official and journalist, praised Portman’s insights, emphasizing her dedication to investing in women’s futures and combating violence both online and offline.
“Natalie Portman is so inspiring when it comes to women’s causes. She has given us her perspective and explained how we can invest more in the future of women, amplify their voices, celebrate them, and fight against the violence they face online or offline.” – Melissa Fleming, UN Official and Journalist
Time’s up Spokesperson: Portman’s Advocacy for Gender Equality
As a prominent advocate for women’s rights, Natalie Portman assumed the role of spokesperson for Time’s Up in 2018. Her commitment extends beyond Hollywood, where she denounced her sexualization since childhood, notably after her role in “Léon” at the age of 12. Portman’s critique of the 2020 Oscars for neglecting women further solidified her position as a voice for gender equality.
“I HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO THE BRUTAL PSYCHOLOGICAL, LEGAL, AND ECONOMIC RAMIFICATIONS OF THESE HORRIBLE ACTS OF VIOLENCE.” – Natalie Portman
#MeToo Movement: A Turning Point for Portman
Becoming aware of abuse within her career through the #MeToo movement in 2017, Natalie Portman reflects on the transformative impact: “It’s amazing how many things I didn’t even categorize as abusive behavior. I just thought it was something that made me angry or uncomfortable.” As a mother of two, she envisions a different world and actively participates in the fight against abusive behavior.
“A different perspective on things, and hopefully it can prevent such behavior if people, men and women, are more aware of it. I want a different world for my two children.” – Natalie Portman
The Spotlight Initiative: Natalie Portman’s Advocacy in Action
As the Ambassador of the “Spotlight Initiative,” Natalie Portman shared a poignant story of a woman achieving freedom from an abusive husband through financial independence. Detailing the program’s impactful actions, she stated, “Spotlight Initiative investments have doubled the conviction rate of perpetrators of gender-based violence in 12 countries. Nearly 500 laws and policies have been enacted to end violence against women and girls.”
“The fact that Fatima was freed from violence through her economic independence allowed her to thrive in all other areas of her life.” – Natalie Portman
Towards a More Inclusive Future in Hollywood
In addition to her advocacy against violence, Natalie Portman emphasized the need for gender equality in Hollywood. She expressed her desire to collaborate more with female directors, underlining the importance of equal opportunities for women in the film industry.