Wonder Woman made UN ambassador for women

Forties comic book character Wonder Woman has been appointed a United Nations honorary ambassador for the empowerment of women and girls.

Despite fierce opposition, the superhero was controversially chosen after the UN teamed with DC Entertainment and Warner Bros to raise awareness of gender equality as part of a new campaign.

Cristina Gallach, UN under-secretary-general for communications and public information, said: "While we have achieved progress towards gender equality, in many parts of the world women and girls continue to suffer discrimination and violence.

"Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world."

Critics labelled the appointment "rubbish", and called for real-life heroines to be chosen instead, while about 50 UN staff members turned their back to the stage in silent protest during the ceremony in New York.

Shazia Rafi, a women's rights activist and former UN staff member, said it was "a lot of rubbish that you can appoint a cartoon female to represent gender equality in this day and age, even if it is to reach younger women".

"I'm not against cartoons. I think cartoons have a value. But that is not the issue."

Actress Lynda Carter, who played Wonder Woman on TV in the 1970s, said protesters should "stand up and be counted".

She added: "It's okay that not everyone agrees, but get over it and say, 'What else is new?"'

The campaign aims to encourage women to speak out against discrimination, work on preventing gender-based violence, and support women and girls in leadership and education.

The organisation previously appointed Winnie the Pooh honorary ambassador of friendship in 1998, and Tinker Bell as the honorary ambassador of green in 2009.