This story has been corrected. See below.
YouTube is putting women in the spotlight on a global level.
For the first time ever YouTube creators, all of whom are female, are joining the United Nations as Change Ambassadors for the intergovernmental organization’s Sustainable Development Action campaign. The seven women will help the campaign “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.” YouTube announced the new initiative on the second day of Women’s History Month, and less than a week prior to International Women’s Day. The ambassadors are Ingrid Nilsen, Jackie Aina, Yuya, Taty Ferreira, Hayla Ghazal, Louise Pentland, and Chika Yoshida.
In addition to the U.N. Initiative, the video-sharing website has also created a new playlist on YouTube Spaces with the objective of celebrating women’s voices both behind the scenes and on the screen. Creative Directors for the channel include Anna Akana, Alexys Fleming, Julia Tolezano, Em Ford, Nilam Farooq, and Kuma Miki.
They have already filmed more than 50 videos, including one in which they emulate famous female figures from the past century. Other videos on the playlist include original scripted content and unscripted discussions about women’s issues.
“YouTube has always been a platform where women of all ages and backgrounds can find their voice and tell their stories,” YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki told Coins2Day in a statement. “Through our global YouTube Spaces program and new partnership with the UN, we’ll strengthen female voices on YouTube and around the world.”
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that YouTube created a new channel highlighting women’s work, but it’s a new playlist.
