Cheers for Nicole Kidman: Volunteer, superstar and UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador
By Belle Hann

Nicole Kidman has a confession to make.

On being appointed Goodwill Ambassador for UNIFEM (United Nations Development Fund for Women), she admitted: "I don't pretend to be an expert on the issues UNIFEM addresses".

Perhaps you, as a volunteer, can understand. You may feel overwhelmed with complicated statistics and data when faced with issues and causes. Despite this you, like Nicole, commit your time and energy to helping what Nicole calls 'the very real and immediate problems' existing in our communities and our world.

As UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador, Nicole will witness first hand the troubles that less fortunate women face in countries like Sudan, Afghanistan and Cambodia. The Hollywood star's work will focus on 'the pandemic of violence against women', a widespread social problem that UNIFEM describes as the 'most pervasive human rights violation' in the world.

UNIFEM is a UN agency that promotes awareness of women's rights and advancing the cause of gender equality. One of UNIFEM's projects includes helping Cambodian women to escape human trafficking and gain economic autonomy. Hearing about this project from her mother, Nicole contacted UNIFEM to see if she could help.

Before joining UNIFEM, Nicole generously assisted various charities and causes such as UNICEF, Sydney Children's Hospital, the Australian Theatre for Young People and FARA (for Romanian orphans). Recognised for her outstanding efforts, she has received awards for NSW Australian of the Year, the United Nations Citizen Award and in January this year, the Companion of the Order of Australia.

Winning an Oscar in 2002 for The Hours topped a Hollywood career of just over 20 years that is the envy of most actors. In her emotional Oscar speech, she admitted that all she ever wanted was to "make my mother proud".

No doubt Mrs Kidman will continue to be proud of her daughter as UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador.

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