Angelina Jolie spoke about humanitarian issues, particularly those affecting women, in a candid conversation with former US Secretary of State John F. Kerry for Elle magazine.
Patriotism, climate change and violence against women were among the topics they touched on, with Jolie getting most fired up about the latter — particularly how they affect her parenting of three daughters, Vivienne, 9, Shiloh, 11, and Zahara, 13.
“I tell my daughters, ‘What sets you apart is what you are willing to do for others. Anyone can put on a dress and makeup. It’s your mind that will define you. Find out who you are, what you think, and what you stand for. And fight for others to have those same freedoms. A life of service is worth living,’” she said.
The United Nations goodwill ambassador and special envoy to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees emphasised that chipping away at dated attitudes about crimes against women is the way to bring about legal changes, both domestically and abroad.
“I think of how hard women fought to get us to where we are today. Everything counts, from the way you hold yourself in your daily life and educate yourself on your own rights, to solidarity with other women around the world,” Jolie said.
The filmmaker, who described herself as “very patriotic” and “proud of what America stands for,” said that her six children are afforded certain freedoms unavailable to many.
“It’s only because we are a country based on people of different backgrounds and faiths coming together that I can have this family,” she said. “My daughters have the freedoms they have because of being American. And we are at our best when we are fighting for others to have the same rights. Particularly other women.”
