Charlize Theron Named U.N. Peace Messenger

Charlize Theron will serve as a United Nations messenger of peace, with a special focus on ending violence against women.

Theron was appointed by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, BBC reports. She will be formally inducted in New York on Monday.

"You have used your voice, compassion and special relationship with the public to create a better world," said Ban of the actress.

Theron, among other charitable pursuits, is the founder of a project aimed at promoting HIV and AIDS education for children and their families in her native South Africa.

Theron joins nine other messengers of peace, all celebrities who promote U.N. ideals and events, Reuters Africa says. George Clooney, Michael Douglas, Yo-Yo Ma, Elie Wiesel and Jane Goodall are included in this group.

According to Reuters Africa, Theron had a personal encounter with domestic violence when her mother fatally shot her father, who was threatening his family in a drunken rage. She was 15 at the time.

As for her professional career, Theron will star in an adaptation of The Danish Girl alongside Nicole Kidman, reports People.