Salma Hayek thinks the use of “social media for social justice” is essential in the fight for human rights.
The 49-year-old actress established charity organisation Chime for Change in 2013 with singer Beyoncé Knowles and fashion house Gucci.
And Salma believes the technology people have access to nowadays is incredibly positive in terms of social progression, as everyone has an equal opportunity to express their voices through the Internet.
“We are a fantastic generation,” she noted while speaking on Friday 9 October (15) at Variety‘s Power of Women luncheon, which was held at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. “I could not have made it without the women who gave me the strength today. For all of you who don’t know what Chime for Change is, it is a call for everyone to use social media for social justice.”
Chime for Change is focused on supporting initiatives launched by nongovernmental agencies that empower women by providing access to education, justice and health services. Since its inception, Chime for Change has raised $7.3 million. The money, which was amassed with the help of 153 nonprofit partners, funded multiple projects based in 88 countries and so far 400,000 women and girls have benefitted from the programmes.
“In only two years … we have affected 3 million families and communities,” Salma shared, noting Chime for Change is currently working on a new initiative called Chime for the Children of Syria.
The Frida star believes a change in the confidence of female leaders is very evident.
Salma is convinced more women are refusing to be second class citizens.
“We are the generation that said, ‘We’re not going away at 30,'” she declared. “They cannot ignore us anymore.”
Salma has been active in Hollywood since 1988.
And she is both elated and appalled by the fact screenwriters have taken so long to infuse scripts with strong female characters.
“This is really, really sad and tragic,” Salma said. “In the 20 years I have been an activist for women, I can smell the airs of change, especially in this industry for the first time.”
Several other stars attended Variety’s Power of Women luncheon, including Oprah Winfrey, Thandie Newton, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jaime King, Anna Kendrick and Gwyneth Paltrow.
