We imagine students at the London School of Economics are already trying to figure out ways to bribe, cheat and steal their way into Professor Angelina Jolie’s class next year. The Oscar-winning actress, humanitarian, director and mother-of-six has just been appointed as a visiting professor at the prestigious university. Along with former foreign secretary William Hague, Jolie will be a lecturer at the university’s Centre for Women, Peace and Security for master’s students, focusing on war crimes against women.
“I am very encouraged by the creation of this master’s program. I hope other academic institutions will follow this example, as it is vital that we broaden the discussion on how to advance women’s rights and end impunity for crimes that disproportionately affect women, such as sexual violence in conflict,” said Jolie. “I am looking forward to teaching and to learning from the students as well as to sharing my own experiences of working alongside governments and the United Nations.”
As special envoy for the UN Refugee Agency (previously, she was a goodwill ambassador), Jolie has been a vocal advocate for refugee rights as well as the rights of women, particularly on the issues of female genital mutilation and the use of rape as a weapon of war.
Women’s issues are human issues and seeing Jolie use her privilege as a beautiful, wealthy superstar to help other women—instead of post another selfie—is inspiring and frankly, awesome. Her husband, Brad Pitt, had this to say about her, “You have to understand that this is a woman who never knew she’d make it to 40. This is a woman who had watched her mother, aunt, and grandmother become sick and eventually succumb, all at an early age. Her drive, her absolute value in herself, is defined by the impact she can have during her time here — for her kids and for the underprivileged and those suffering injustices.” Without a doubt, she is the definition of a #BossLady, one who’s using her power in extraordinary ways.
Nothing but respect for Professor Angelina Jolie!
Image via Creative Commons
