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Hollywood Feminist of the Day: Nicole Kidman

posted by Women & Hollywood
Monday, August 2, 2010 at 12:12pm CDT

Photo: Fame Pictures Inc.

While I’m sure that Lindsay Lohan getting out of jail will get more attention, Nicole Kidman went down to Haiti last week with UNIFEM to raise awareness about sexual violence against women in the wake of the earthquake over 6 months ago.

This is a country that had a massive sexual assault problem before the quake. Stats from 2006 shows that 1 in 3 women had been sexually assaulted. And there is only one shelter that can house victims of sexual assault.

Here’s what she said about how women are coping:

During this trip I saw first-hand how this humanitarian disaster is impacting women and girls. The lack of shelter and security makes them more vulnerable to violence, in particular sexual violence.

I love that she is so on message and knows how to use her visibility to raise awareness about women’s issues, which many celebrities avoid.

I’m just constantly trying to give a voice to the women around the world, women everywhere, who are in need of help. If there’s anything to be had from having worked for 23 to 25 years of my life, I’m so glad to now be able to do this. I don’t mind being used like that

Nicole Kidman’s goodwill trip to Haiti is no family vacation (USA Today)

Nicole Kidman speaks out on Haitian sex crimes (Herald Sun)