Wonder Woman is easily one of the most recognisable comic-book characters ever created and is certainly the most well-known female comic book character ever created.

To coincide with the 75th anniversary of Wonder Woman's first appearance, the character was named UN Honorary Ambassador For Empowerment Of Woman at a ceremony yesterday at the UN Headquarters in New York.

The event was attended by the current Wonder Woman, Gal Gadot, and the '70s iteration of the character, Lynda Carter. The event lauded Wonder Woman as a role model for women, however staffers from the UN and others have heavily criticised the decision - with some even protesting at the ceremony in question. According to eyewitness reports, a group of 50 people protested outside the event whilst staffers inside turned their backs to the stage during the opening ceremony.

An online petition, created by UN staff members, has gained 1,806 signatures and calls for the United Nations to reconsider its decision, saying that it is "alarming that the United Nations would consider using a character with an overtly sexualized image at a time when the headline news in United States and the world is the objectification of women and girls."

The statement goes on saying that "(the) image that Wonder Woman projects (life-size cut outs of which have already appeared at UNHQ) is not culturally encompassing or sensitive –attributes the United Nations expects all its staff members to embody in the core value of respect for diversity." Feminist author Gloria Steinem also spoke out against the decision, saying that "we are now looking for women with real terrestrial power."

The United Nations has not responded to the protest, but did explain why Wonder Woman was chosen for the campaign. A spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General said that "in order to reach young people, in order to reach audiences outside of this building, we need to be creative and have creative partnerships."

Warner Bros. and DC Comics have so far made no comment on the petition or the protests.

 

Via BBC