Angelina Jolie Delivers Passionate Speech About A ‘Global Epidemic Of Violence Against Women’
Angelina Jolie recently spoke passionately in an attempt to gain global support to end violence against women. The award-winning actress, filmmaker, humanitarian, and Special Envoy of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees addressed a group of delegates in a packed ballroom at the African Summit on June 11 saying, “Women and girls are bearing the brunt of extremists.”
Angelina said any solution must be “designed by women, focused on women, executed by women.”
Jolie delivered her speech focusing on worldwide violence against women.
“There is a global epidemic of violence against women – both within conflict zones and within societies at peace – and it is still treated as a lesser crime and lower priority. Women and girls are bearing the brunt of extremists that revel in treating them barbarically. This is inextricably linked to our overall failure to prevent and end conflicts worldwide, which is causing human suffering on an unprecedented level.”
Angelina Jolie spoke of her first hand experience of meeting victims of sexual violence in her address to the assembled leaders.
“They are some of the most formidable and impressive people I have ever met and they deserve better than to be left alone to suffer.”
Angelina finished her passionate speech by providing plans on how she believes efforts to undertake the ongoing global violence against women should be designed.
“We need policies for long-term security that are designed by women, focused on women, executed by women—not at the expense of men, or instead of men, but alongside and with men. There is no greater pillar of stability than a strong, free, and educated woman, and there is no more inspiring role model than a man who respects and cherishes women and champions their leadership.”
People reports Angelina Jolie paid tribute to African women and girls for their “extraordinary resilience, dignity, and strength in the face of trials that would break any of us. They are some of the most formidable and impressive people I have ever met and they deserve better than to be left alone to suffer.”
On word of Angelina Jolie’s arrival at Tambo International Airport, in South Africa, Twitter users spotted the actress, accompanied by her 11-year-old son Pax, shortly after they landed.
Women’s rights campaigners share experiences w UNHCR Envoy Angelina Jolie Pitt hosted by @JudithMacgregor #AUSummit pic.twitter.com/7tACUBNHqA
— Isabel Potgieter (@IsabelZA) June 11, 2015
Angelina Jolie is dedicated in continuing her humanitarian efforts as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador.
[Featured image via Ethan Miller/Getty Images]
