Wonder Woman Has Become An Honorary UN Ambassador And We're Confused

Yesterday, the United Nations announced DC comic book heroine Wonder Women was its new honorary ambassador.

According to the UN, the fictional character has been chosen to to raise the profile of women's empowerment and gender-based violence following controversy that there was a lack of gender equality in the international organisation's senior roles (nine out of 10 leaderships roles in the UN went to men in 2015, FYI).

DC Entertainment president Diane Nelson – and potentially the actresses who have formerly played the iconic role – will accept the role for her company's comic book character at a ceremony on 21 October.

Is it just us, or have we missed something?

While it's phenomenal that the UN, comic, television and film industries are supporting campaigns to promote the importance of female empowerment and the need to improve gender parity around the world, we're not quite sure Wonder Woman is the person to do that.

We're talking about a fictional character based on Greek mythology that dresses in a leotard and carries a golden lasso. She's not exactly a realistic representation of female society in 2016.

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And it looks like we're not the only ones to have doubts over her new position.

The UK's Women's Equality Party said it was 'fittingly comic that the UN could not think of a single human woman who could take on this role'.

The party's leader Sophie Walker added: 'I meet extraordinary women every day: women who have survived violence, or defied gender norms to ascend to the top of a hostile industry, or blazed a trail in the arts or media or sport or health.

Look, we've got nothing against a woman wearing hot pants and flying about trying to save the world but there are plenty of real-life, every day female super heroes we think could do a far more valid, impactful and meaningful job that a comic book character.

Last week, we were being told to idolise Shakespeare's heroines, this week we're being told a fictional comic book character will help pave the way for gender equality – what ever next?

I know, how about we just go ahead and nominate Miss Piggy to take over from Theresa May? Given Piggy's experience in politics, foreign policy and meeting world leaders, we're sure she'll do a great job.

While we're at it, sure Polly Pocket needs a career boost these days. Someone give her a call.

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Absolutely ridiculous.

Katie O'Malley

Site Director

Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.