Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch left no stone unturned as he performed for Television, Radio, Theatre and Films.
Benedict Cumberbatch is a campaigner for women
He is an ambassador for The Prince’s Trust and has dedicated a fair amount of his time to propagate social issues. The ‘Sherlock’ star recently made the headlines as he took a stand for equal pay for women by revealing that he will take up an acting job if his female co-stars are paid the same as him.
Additionally, he also stated that his new production company is dedicated to developing female-led projects.
Justin Trudeau
The Canadian Prime Minister has been vocal about his views towards female empowerment and equal rights for women and has celebrated the achievements of women across all fields.
He often urges everyone to play their respective role in achieving gender equality and eliminate the disparity.
He has empowered women across Canada and ensured equal representation in the cabinet, judicial positions and featuring influential women on Canadian bank notes, paving way for world leaders to follow his footsteps.
Daniel Craig
This ‘James Bond’ is not just one to speak. He took gender disparity matters into his own hands as he dressed up as a woman for a video discussing the gender pay gap between men and women. The video also shared some spine-chilling facts like 70 million girls do not have access to a basic education and 60 million girls are sexually abused on their way to school The actor has been advocating the need for gender equality across all spheres.
Farhan Akhtar
It is no secret that this award-winning Bollywood superstar dons many hats with quite the ease while carrying out his duties as an actor, director and musician.
However, what’s probably his most meaningful role is that of a HeForShe Champion. He was appointed as Regional UN Women Ambassador for South Asia in November 2014. He is the first man to take up this role and advocate for UN Women’s HeForShe campaign.
He has also founded MARD which stands for Men Against Rape and Discrimination and also translates to Man in Hindi campaign in 2013 through which he sensitises the issue of violence against women and has come out in support of women in the recent wave of #MeToo movement in India.
Speaking exclusively to Female First, Farhan Akhtar said: “I think as men we all have a moral obligation to show compassion, respect and love towards women. If it’s not a gender based issue, then from a human nature perspective. Without women the world wouldn’t function, yet some men seem to believe that women are objects at their disposal and don’t deserve an ounce of the respect they would show to their male peers.”
Farhan released the latest track from his debut album Echoes on the 30th November, titled ‘Why couldn’t it be me’ which delves into the pain felt by the families of victims of violence who feel guilt that they couldn’t do anything to help their loved ones. Ahead of the launch of the song, Farhan touched on the need for men to put themselves in the shoes of the family members: “for women to feel safe in our society it is important for them to know that men see, understand and value their position as equal citizens. We all have mothers, sisters, aunties, daughters, grandmothers and great-grandmothers – which is why us men must consider how we would feel if someone was violent towards them or showed them the disrespect that they perhaps show to others. It’s all about perspective and having an understanding of the impact actions can have on women.
“As a man myself, I find it difficult when I hear of the maltreatment of women. I think, how would I feel if that was my family? I wish I could tell each and every women that they are not alone, but of course I cannot physically do that. This is why men in general need to change their mind-sets and attitudes towards women.
“I strive for the day in which both men and women can live in a peaceful, equal society free of violence and oppression.”
You can listen to Farhan Akhtar’s new track, ‘Why couldn’t it be me’ here.
Prince Harry
Hailing from the Royal British family, Prince Harry takes it upon himself to advocate the need to empower women and provide them with equal opportunities.
He dedicates his time to attend conferences and receptions highlighting women empowerment issues as well as meeting with representatives of charities supporting global gender equality.
He is often accompanied by the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan who has also served as an advocate for UN Women. They have recently also acquainted themselves with the plight of the LGBT community and have promised to include the issue in their charitable work.
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