March 3, 2016
On Tuesday, March 8th—International Women’s Day—UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation Forest Whitaker will take part in the HeForShe Arts Week launch event at The Public Theatre in New York City. The highlight of the event will be a conversation between Mr. Whitaker and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson on gender inequality throughout the world and how artists can unite to promote equality and defy gender stereotypes. Mr. Whitaker will discuss how his foundation, the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative, empowers young women through its peacebuilding programs.
The event will also feature remarks from Phumzile Mlambo-Nguka, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women; Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director of The Public Theater; and Chirlane McCray, First Lady of New York City.
HeForShe is an international solidarity movement for gender equality launched by UN Women in 2014. HeForShe’s goal is to engage men and boys in the effort to promote women’s rights and achieve universal gender equality. As part of the inaugural HeForShe Arts Week—launched in partnership with New York City and running from March 8th to 15th—museums, theaters, and galleries around the city will highlight issues surrounding gender equality and use this opportunity to start important dialogues.
To attend the event please contact HeForShe@unwomen.org