Anne Hathaway has become something of a philanthropist recently.
The 34-year-old Oscar-winning actress addressed the UN on Wednesday in a speech to mark International Women’s Day.
Dressed in a simple red wrap dress, her dark hair loose around her shoulders, the smiling star took to the podium to address paid leave in the United States.
On a mission: Anne Hathaway spoke at the UN’s New York City headquarters on Wednesday, as part of International Women’s Day
Family first: The stunning actress spoke out against the Family and Medical Leave Act, which gives caregivers just 12 weeks unpaid leave a year
Fighting for change: The Les Miserables star said many people struggle financially under the current Family and Medical Leave Act
Speaking at the UN’s New York headquarters, Anne spoke out against the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Under the controversial act, caregivers are given just 12 weeks unpaid leave a year for childbirth and other reasons.
‘That information landed differently for me when one week after my son’s birth I could barely walk,’ she said.
Wanting more: Anne demanded longer paid leave for new families who are still just ‘getting to know a human’ when they have to return to work
Doing it tough: ‘Somehow we and every American parent were expected to be back to normal in under three months without income,’ she said
‘That information landed differently when I was getting to know a human who was completely dependent on my husband and I for everything, when I was dependent on my husband for most things and when we were re-learning everything we thought we knew about our family and our relationship,’ she added.
The Intern star says the current law makes it extremely difficult for many already struggling families to make ends meet.
‘Somehow we and every American parent were expected to be back to normal in under three months without income,’ she said.
Women’s rights: ‘The assumption and common practice that women and girls look after the home and the family is a stubborn and very real stereotype,’ she said
Moral support: Joining the Oscar-winning actress was her husband of five years, Adam Shulman
‘I remember thinking to myself, “If the practical reality of pregnancy is another mouth to feed in your home and America is a country where most people are living paycheck to paycheck, how does 12 weeks of unpaid leave economically work?” she added. ‘The truth is for too many people it doesn’t.’
The brunette beauty became a UN Women goodwill ambassador in June last year, and plans to highlight issues such as parental leave, gender stereotypes and affordable childcare services.
‘The assumption and common practice that women and girls look after the home and the family is a stubborn and very real stereotype that not only discriminates against women, but limits men’s participation and connection within the family and society,’ she said.
Making a difference: The UN goodwill ambassador shared this post with her fans on Instagram on Wednesday, following her powerful speech
