U.N. criticized for naming Wonder Woman honorary ambassador

The United Nations named Wonder Woman its Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Woman and Girls Friday.

The announcement was timed to coincide with the comic book character's 75th birthday - but not everyone was happy with the decision.

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At a ceremony at the U.N. headquarters in New York, the fictional character was honored for being a strong female role model.

Actress Lynda Carter, known for playing the character in the 1970s TV series, attended along with her more contemporary counterpart, Gal Gadot, who will play the warrior princess in the upcoming Wonder Womanmovie.

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However, U.N. staffers (and others outside the organization) are not pleased with the UN's decision to hold up a highly sexualized comic book (and TV and movie) character as the embodiment of female empowerment.

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A group identified as "Concerned United Nations staff members" put up an online petition urging the U.N. to "reconsider" the ambassador choice. In the online petition the group reiterated their frustration with the honor going to a "mascot."

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"Having strong (living, breathing) female role models is a critical aspect of the goal of empowerment of women and girls," the group wrote. At the time of writing the petition had garnered more than 1,300 signatures.

About 50 staffers protested at the visitors' entrance of the Wonder Woman event, the Associated Press reported. Staffers also turned their backs to the stage during the opening speech.

As part of the Wonder Woman campaign, the U.N. explained why they gave the character this honor and role: "The campaign is about women and girls everywhere, who are wonder women in their own right, and the men and boys who support their struggle for gender equality, bringing about positive change in their homes, workplace, communities, countries and the world together."

The Associated Press contributed reporting.