Actress and filmmaker Angelina Jolie is renowned for her advocacy for human rights around the globe. Her recent project, The Breadwinner, produced by her, highlights the tale of an 11-year-old Afghan girl named Parvana who disguises herself as a boy to provide for her family in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. In that society, women were prohibited from working or attending school. In honor of Harper’s Bazaar’s 150th anniversary, Jolie reflects on the current state of women’s rights and our obligation to one another and our environment.
When requested to contribute to this commemorative issue of Bazaar, I envisioned a female reader of the magazine 150 years ago, back in 1867. If she could witness us—present-day women—what would her thoughts be? Bazaar was initially published in America only two years following the conclusion of the Civil War and the eradication of slavery. It was a period devoid of cars, modern antibiotics, or electric lighting. Most individuals didn’t live past their 50s, and maternal mortality was still prevalent.
During the majority of the 19th century in numerous Western nations, women were incapable of pursuing higher education, and certain professions like medicine, science, and law were off-limits to them. They were disenfranchised and would have to wait more than half a century to acquire the right to vote in numerous countries. Therefore, I speculate that if that past Bazaar reader could witness our progress today, she would be amazed. Given that she possibly fought for women’s rights during her time, I believe she would be appreciative.
– Alexi Lubomirski sported a stylish ensemble, pairing a Rag & Bone t-shirt with Ralph Lauren Collection pants. She accessorized with Beladora earrings, Ariat Two24 boots, vintage bangles from Jill Heller, and her own necklace and ring.
I often wonder how a woman from the 19th century would feel about the ongoing inequality faced by millions of women and girls worldwide. From those who sacrifice education for work to support their families, like the character Parvana in the movie “The Breadwinner,” to those who lack access to healthcare and die young. Have we truly done enough to help them?
The most remarkable woman I ever met was a pregnant Afghan refugee in a deserted camp near Pakistan. Despite the harsh conditions and imminent demolition of their shelters, she waited for her husband to return with a grace and strength that inspired me. She welcomed me with tea and shared her story, leaving a lasting impact on me.
Namibia, to me, symbolizes the bond of family, friendship, and the crucial balance between humans and the environment for our future. The encounter with the Afghan refugee woman made me realize the importance of empathy and understanding for those facing difficulties beyond our imagination.
The prediction by the World Economic Forum that it will take 83 years to close the gender gap in all countries is disheartening. It is not about women progressing at the expense of men but achieving equality for the benefit of everyone. The Iroquois saying shared by my mother, urging us to consider the impact of our decisions on seven generations, resonates as a noble goal worth striving for in our fast-paced lives.
Wearing a Gabriela Hearst blouse and Jolies’ own earrings, captured by Alexi Lubomirski in a stylish photo shoot, I invite all readers – whether you’re a professional, activist, student, or simply flipping through a magazine – to pause and reflect on how we can shape a better tomorrow.
The future may hold uncertainties, but one thing is certain – our actions today will impact the generations to come. Look back at history, and you’ll see how decisions made centuries ago have led us to the environmental challenges we face today.
In the 1800s, the demand for ivory and other wildlife products started a destructive trend that continues to threaten species like elephants and lions today. As we reflect on this, let’s consider how we can each play a part in creating a more sustainable future for all living beings on this planet.
A stunning Atelier Versace gown was featured in the photos taken by Alexi Lubomirski at a nature reserve located in Namibia’s Namib desert. This reserve is managed by the N/a’an ku sê Foundation, which is led by Marlice and Rudie van Vuuren, close friends of mine. Namibia holds a special place in my heart as it is where my daughter Shiloh was born, and my family has collaborated with Rudie and Marlice on conservation efforts in the region for the past ten years. To me, Namibia symbolizes the harmony between humans and the environment, which is crucial for our future.
The N/a’an ku sê Foundation is dedicated to working with Namibia’s San people, recognized as one of the oldest cultures in the world. They have a history of coexisting with wildlife for thousands of years, but have faced challenges such as displacement from their lands due to farming, unchecked development, and wildlife depletion. The destruction of natural habitats has left the San people unable to sustain themselves through hunting, impacting their livelihoods.
I strongly believe that it is our actions and values that define us. The San people have a saying that resonates with me: “you are never lost if you can see your path to the horizon.” This message holds true not only in Namibia but also globally, where environmental degradation disproportionately affects women, who are often the most vulnerable. The depletion of natural resources exacerbates poverty, impacting women’s education and health.
The N/a’an ku sê Foundation’s efforts focus on preserving natural habitats and protecting endangered species such as elephants, rhinos, and cheetahs. I first encountered these cheetahs in 2015 as orphaned cubs that we sponsored as a family. Although they were nursed back to health, they cannot be released into the wild due to their lack of fear towards humans. With cheetah populations declining to fewer than 7,100 worldwide, it is crucial to save every individual possible.
As climate change displaces millions of people each year, it is evident that environmental conservation is paramount for global stability. The work of organizations like N/a’an ku sê is essential in safeguarding our planet for future generations.
The Dior dress and rings showcased by Alexi Lubomirski are a stunning display of fashion. However, it is essential to remember that wild animals like cheetahs should never be kept as pets. They serve as a reminder for us to work towards preserving these majestic creatures in their natural habitats, as part of our efforts to protect the environment for future generations.
We all have the ability to make a difference through our everyday decisions. One simple step we can take is to vow never to support the trade of illegal wildlife products such as ivory or rhino horn. In the past, fashion trends inadvertently contributed to the demand for items made from wildlife parts. Thankfully, magazines now have the power to promote the message that wild animals deserve to remain in the wild, and that true beauty does not come from harming them.
Our individual actions may seem small, but they have a significant impact. The future is in our hands, and as technology continues to advance, we will have even more resources to communicate, alleviate poverty, uphold human rights, and safeguard the environment. It is our choices that will ultimately determine the course of our planet. My own life experiences have taught me that our values and the causes we support define who we are. Remember the wisdom of the San people: “As long as you can see your path towards the horizon, you are never truly lost.”
Angelina Jolie is a well-known filmmaker, a special envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and one of the founders of the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative. Her film, The Breadwinner, will be released in North American theaters on November 17th and will have subsequent release dates worldwide.
When it comes to women’s rights, international law mandates that women and girls have equal rights to men and boys. This includes equality in areas such as participation in politics, access to education and employment, healthcare, freedom from violence, and equal treatment in relationships within families and communities.
The cheetah population is currently less than 7,100, with the species disappearing from much of their historical habitat over the past century. Cheetahs are illegally captured and sold in the pet trade, as well as hunted for their skin. The N/a’an ku sê Foundation in Namibia works to protect cheetahs and other wildlife by providing refuge for injured or vulnerable animals, with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.
For more information or to support their cause, you can visit naankuse.com. This article was first published in the November 2017 issue and features Angelina Jolie’s work with wildlife conservation in Namibia.
