The United Nations named comic-book superhero Wonder Woman as an honorary ambassador to fight for gender equality on Friday, amid criticism that the scantily clad fictional character was an inappropriate choice.
U.N. officials at a ceremony formalizing the appointment said Wonder Woman is known for her commitment to justice, peace and equality.
“Wonder Woman is an icon,” said U.N. Under-Secretary-General Cristina Gallach. “We are very pleased that this character will help us reach new audiences with essential messages of our empowerment and equality, reports Reuters.
U.N. officials have said they hoped the selection of a comic-book hero and movie character would appeal to younger women in its campaign for women’s empowerment, and the slogan of the campaign says: “Think of all the wonders we can do.”
Wonder Woman, a DC Comics Inc. heroine, first appeared in 1942, fighting villains, rescuing victims and unearthing diabolical plots.
