United Nations on their Facebook page shared a picture of Wonder Woman with the caption: “Do you know a gender equality champion? Wonder Woman is helping the United Nations to achieve gender equality by 2030 by shining a light on women and girls who overcome barriers every day to reach their goals. Use #RealLifeWonderWoman to share the story of an inspiring woman or girl you know!
#RealLifeWonderWoman - Many people shared posts dedicated to strong women in their lives. Ingrid Marroquin: “My mom is a real Wonder Woman. She is an immigrant, became a citizen as soon as she moved here to the US over 40 years ago, and learned English before moving here. She is a teacher, dedicated wife to my dad for 39 years, and an amazing mother. It can be done! #reallifewonderwoman”
Bobby Dalton Guleng Roy: “Cori Ring is a #RealLifeWonderWoman because she is smashing the patriarchy every day through her leadership at the workplace, at home, and in the community, country, and world altogether. She was making history with her mom when Mauricio Funes, the Farabundo Marti Front for National Liberation (FMLN) candidate won the presidency in El Salvador. She has organized students in New York, communities in El Salvador, and workers and neighbourhoods in California. Brilliant, her commitment to and understanding of the protracted struggle for social justice is exemplary and awe-inspiring. She is a force! It is a privilege be able to come fight and build together #WithWonderWoman.” Jared Sanders: “Debbie Sanders is my #RealLifeWonderWoman. Without you, mom, I wouldn’t be worth a damn. You guided me through some of the most troubling times of my life, and continue to do so, even if we don’t always see eye to eye. Thank you, with love.” Lalah Belle: “Being the mother and father of three kids makes me a wonder woman.”
Some Facebook users debated about the use of the fictional character ‘Wonder Woman’ in this campaign. Daniela Verztman Bagdadi The fight for women’s empowerment and gender equality is not possible without a change on women’s representation and participation on visual culture. This symbol does not represent multiple realities of girls worldwide. Not only this image was created by a man (H.G. Peter) but it’s physical features are extremely eroticised. The use of a fictional character could be only understood if it was a result of a worldwide competition where girls could send their own drawings and representations.
Laura Leigh Clarke : “Looking at the comments, some folks are getting angry about the United Nations using Wonder Woman in their campaign. Personally... we want more of these strong fictional characters on our screens and in our stories. Stories are the key to shifting the attitudes not just around women’s issues, but to create equality across the board. I’m with the United Nations on this one. Great campaign. Thank you for all that you do!” Lauren King: “Wonderwoman is an idol for female empowerment for girls from an early age, regardless of whether it was 20 years ago, or this year. Wonderwoman covers a broad spectrum and its a much better idea than specifying just one of the great women doing such amazing work in the world. I think it was a great choice. Wonderwoman inspired my mom when she was young, me when I was young and now my daughter. She’s been a staple in popular culture for demonstrating the strength a woman can have.” Kevin Byer: “The post encourages people to share stories of real life heroes with the hashtag #reallifewonderwoman it is not taking spotlight off of real heroes but in fact trying to shine a light on them. People are inspired by Wonder Woman not because of her sword or her looks but because she is strong, compassionate, a champion for equality, smart, brave, confident, and willing to stand for what she believes in.”
