Annie Lennox teams with Apple Music for “global feminism” film on IWD

For International Women’s Day, singer-songwriter and activist Annie Lennox, and her women’s rights organisation The Circle, teamed with Apple Music to create a video that highlights the ways women’s rights need to advance around the world.

The short film stars Lennox, Ed Sheeran, Mary J. Blige, Dua Lipa, Hozier, Emeli Sande, Paloma Faith, Yola, Ade Adepitan, Richa Chadha, Eddie Izzard, Gwendoline Christie, Beverley Knight and Richard E. Grant, telling the story of women’s rights in the last 100 years.

It also highlights the misogyny, rape and violence and pay disparity that still exists.

Two-thirds of the world’s 757 million adults who cannot read or write are women.

“My interest is this term ‘global feminism,’” the former Eurythmics and Tourists co-founder said.

“It means that everybody can be a part of it. It isn’t saying, ‘I’m a feminist, it’s different than your feminism.’

“No. It’s all part of a very mixed, diverse dialogue that will bring many people (together).”

“Feminism — we must use this word because it means empowerment. People can be (and) must be empowered.”

Lennox points out there is still a long way to go, and is insistent that men should also be regarded as global feminists and stand collectively with women to say, “This is not right.”

She added, “Also, we must change this thing about violence where 1 in 3 women have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.

“If we don’t have dialogue with boys and men, we cannot change attitudes and behaviours, so we must bring boys and men into the arena, into the platform for discussion.

Lennox said that Ed Sheeran was the first to jump on board for the video.

Apple Music’s global head of editorial Rachel Newman said: ”Annie Lennox is not only one of the most prolific women in music, but one of the most dedicated and passionate women’s rights advocates of our time.

“Her efforts to better this world are truly inspiring and her impact is undeniable.

“This International Women’s Day we are thrilled and honoured to support this incredible artist and share her message of #globalfeminism with our global audience.”

To coincide with International Women’s Day, Apple Music is also launching playlists curated by top music acts as Cardi B, Pink, Halsey, Camila Cabello and others, along with those from specific genres.