Ashley Judd becomes a UN Goodwill Ambassador

Ashley Judd has been appointed as the United Nations Population Fund's Goodwill Ambassador. The 47-year-old actress has always been a political activist and has accepted the role that will see her address reproductive health and population issues. Her first goal is to put an end to child marriages. Speaking to the USA Today newspaper, Ashley said: "It is unacceptable. Child marriage in a gruesome way amplifies global gender inequalities. Child brides are voiceless. I am giving voice to these girls, she does not have a choice about when and how to have sex. She does not have a choice about when or how to get pregnant. She is taken out of school and therefore has no access to a primary or secondary education." The 'Divergent' star is very energised by her new role and is keen to help human lives all over the world. She said: "Having seen United Nations programmes at work around the world directly touching and helping individual lives, it's natural and rewarding to partner formally with UNFPA. "I'm honoured to have been asked, and joyfully accept the grave and ambitious responsibility of helping end all injustice, especially any based on being born female. Being a girl is not a crime, it is a privilege. I am excited to do what I can to help girls and women everywhere contribute to their potential - which is indeed awesome - to the progress of all humankind."