Annie Lennox, UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador
The world renowned Scottish singer songwriter and women’s activist Annie Lennox was named
International Goodwill Ambassador for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) on
2 June 2010. With an award winning career spanning several decades, Ms. Lennox is one of the
world’s most outstanding musical voices. Now, she renews her commitment to speak out for women
and girls affected by the HIV epidemic.
“The daily brutality faced by millions of women and girls is unacceptable,” said Ms Lennox. “If we are to
end the cycle of human devastation triggered by the AIDS epidemic, we must address the rights of
women and girls and challenge their second class citizen status, which puts them at greater risk of
HIV.” Ms Lennox is a dedicated activist and campaigner working for social justice with numerous
organisations. In October 2007, she launched her own “SING” campaign, working to raise awareness
and support for women and children affected by the AIDS pandemic in Southern Africa.
She has previously supported UNAIDS, participating in the launch of a five-year action plan aimed at
ending gender inequalities and human rights violations.
“How can anyone not be moved by Annie Lennox and her voice? I am sure with her incredible passion
and presence, she will raise awareness of the terrible toll HIV has taken on women and girls,” said
UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé, “With her amazing energy, she will make sure international,
national and community leaders challenge the injustice of gender inequality.”
The lack of access to quality sexual and reproductive health services contributes to the high number of
deaths among women of the reproductive age.
In her role as International UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, Ms Lennox was in Washington D.C. with Mr
Sidibé, from the 7-9 of June to participate in the Women Deliver 2010 conference and 2010 Global
Business Coalition conference. She used these events to advocate for a global movement to focus on
the HIV-specific needs of women and girls as well as to empower women and girls so that they can
better protect themselves from HIV.