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Model Natalia Vodianova named new UN women’s health envoy
UNITED NATIONS, United States, Feb 25, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Russian supermodel
Natalia Vodianova travels the world working for luxury fashion brands such as
Balmain and Stella McCartney, and now as a United Nations’ goodwill
ambassador she’ll be promoting a new global message about normalizing
discussions on women’s reproductive and sexual health.
Vodianova was named as a United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) goodwill
ambassador Wednesday.
“For too long, society’s approach to menstruation and women’s health has
been defined by taboo and stigma. It is now our responsibility to culturally
redefine what is normal,” said the model, who lives in Paris.
“Menstruation is a normal bodily function. As UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador, I
want to work to build a world where we no longer need to explain this.”
Vodianova and the UNFPA, which focuses on reproductive and maternal
health, will work together to empower women and girls against prejudices
around their bodies and health that can lead to discrimination and exclusion.
“It’s a tragic irony that something as universal as menstruation can make
girls feel so isolated,” said UNFPA director Natalia Kanem.
“Societies prosper when girls are confident, empowered and making their
own decisions.”
The model joins other UNFPA goodwill ambassadors including US actress
Ashley Judd and Danish princess Mary Donaldson.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 0840 hrs