Q&A with UN WOMEN Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman

Celebs Gone Good chatted with Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman about her women's rights work and how young people can get involved.

What inspired you to get involved with UN Women?

My mother heard about a UNIFEM (now part of UN Women) project in rural Cambodia to revive the traditional silk weaving industry so that the women would be less vulnerable to unscrupulous traffickers who promise jobs but deliver forced prostitution. I was impressed with their approach—the project helps empower women and girls, improves life for them and their families, and brings economic vitality to their community. I admire the work they do; it’s good match for me because it focuses on solutions.

What are some conditions you've worked to improve for women around the world?

When I first learned that up to three quarters of women and girls experience violence in their lifetime, I was shocked. Like so many others, I had no idea of the scope of women’s human rights violations. Too many people think that violence against women–whether domestic violence, rape in war, or traditional forms such as female genital mutilation–is inevitable and shouldn’t be taken seriously.

We need to change this mentality. We must have the right laws, invest in prevention and protection, and bring in men and boys as allies to end violence against women. UN WOMEN hosts a global call for action on the web—saynotoviolence.org—that informs people about the issues at stake and brings them together to share all the actions they are taking to make a safer world. Another important resource is the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, which provides grants for actions that reach many women and put sources of support in place for them that did not exist before.

What resources do you think are most needed to further HIV prevention for women abroad?

It is important to know that violence against women and HIV and AIDS are closely interlinked. Women who are suffering sexual abuse are at a higher risk of contracting HIV. We need more strategies and resources to break this deadly connection.

Has there been a women or girl who really inspired you during your travels? What was it about her story that impacted you?

When I travelled to Haiti in July, I visited the only shelter for survivors of violence. It is a temporary camp with plywood cabins, since the earthquake destroyed the building in which it was housed. Even so, it is a safe haven for underage girls who have been subjected to abuse. Some of them became pregnant as a result, and their little ones are living with them. One of the girls was abducted and abused by strangers a year ago and has since lived in the shelter. Despite her traumatic experience, she has found the strength to continue her education. She goes to school and hopes to become a pediatrician one day. Stories like hers will stay with me forever. To me, they are incredible testimonies of resilience, strength, dignity, and ultimately of hope.

You recently spoke to Congress about how you consider how a woman is portrayed before taking a role. What characteristics do you look for?

I look for roles that show women as independent, informed, and free to make their own decisions. I would not take on a role that portrays a woman as a sex object. The film industry should not portray women in ways that might contribute to discrimination or violence against them.

Recently you traveled to Haiti. What was the thing you were most affected by when visiting?

The devastation in Port au Prince is overwhelming. Everywhere you look you see rubble and destruction. But I was struck by the fact that everywhere you look you see Haitian women, men and children conducting their lives with great dignity. They talk much more about the actions they are taking to shape the future than what happened in the past.

We need to make sure they have the resources they need to realize their goals. If women’s issues fall through the cracks, the needs of more than 50 percent of the population will not be taken into account. No country can afford this—it’s both right and smart to fully include women in rebuilding a fairer, more stable and prosperous society.

What is your advice to young people who want to make a difference but don't know where to start? What can a young person in America do to support women's rights that doesn't involve money or traveling?

Young people can start by learning about what violence against women is and what we all need to do to stop it. Go on the Internet and become part of Say NO–UNiTE to End Violence against Women, a global call for action on ending violence against women and girls for which I am the spokesperson.

At saynotoviolence.org, over 5 million people, including me, have signed on to urge governments to make ending violence against women a top priority. Nearly 900,000 individuals and groups have shared the actions they are taking to stop violence.

Young people who visit the site can learn about the issue and become inspired to take whatever actions may be possible in their own lives. These can even be simple steps, such as sharing what they find out with their own peers. Every action counts, whether big or small.

What activities do you think promote positive roles for women in high schools?

All schools should have a policy of zero tolerance for violence against women and girls. Beyond that, schools should have activities that teach young women to value and respect themselves. Young women need to know how much potential they have, and how much they can contribute to the world.

Were you involved in community service when you were younger?  What was your favorite volunteer experience as a teenager?

I did Meals on Wheels with my mum. She was a nurse so a lot of the time we would go with her to help clean and do chores at the hospital. I think that’s where it all started. My parents are both political, so I grew up with a strong social conscience. And I think because both my parents work in care-giving fields that's had an enormous impact on me. To this day I still like to do Meals on Wheels with [my husband] Keith in Nashville and visit oncology wards, particularly in Sydney.