Michelle Yeoh: I have seen up close how earthquakes can expose deep existing inequalities.
Residents retrieve belongings from homes in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on April 29, 2015, four days after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the country and left over 9,000 dead.Over the past few weeks, many people around the world joined me in celebrating my career firsts — from winning my first Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award and Independent Spirit Award to earning my first Oscar .
I was fortunate to make it through that day unscathed, but not untouched. The experience was terrifying. Its effects linger with me still. Our hotel was damaged during the earthquake and was no longer safe to enter, so we made our way straight to the airport, where we spent two nights before being evacuated by plane. As we got on the road, I saw the ruins and destruction all around me.
Disasters of such magnitude cause irreparable damage to the lives of those who already have so little. I witnessed this when I returned to Nepal to help with relief efforts three weeks after the earthquake and then again a year later, when I returned as aI thought again of Nepal when I watched the coverage of the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria last month.
Crises aren’t just moments of catastrophe: They expose deep existing inequalities. Those living in poverty, especially women and girls, bear the brunt. In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, lack of sanitation, health facilities and safety disproportionately affect women. In my time as a goodwill ambassador, I have seen up close how women and girls are often the last to go back to school and the last to get basic services like clean water, vaccines, identity cards and counseling.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Michelle Yeoh Honored at Star-Studded Armani Pre-Oscar PartyMichelle Yeoh was honored at a very fancy, star-studded pre-Oscar party Saturday night ... this as her movie, 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' is a favorite to take home a boatload of awards.
Read more »
Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan Reunite in Disney+’s ‘American Born Chinese’ TeaserIt’s a big night for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” at the Oscars, but stars Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan are already looking to the future with “American Born Chinese…
Read more »
Michelle Yeoh's Best Red Carpet Moments From ‘Crouching Tiger’ to CoutureHer next stop: the Oscars red carpet, but in the meantime, let's take a look back at the actress' style highlights over the years.
Read more »
Potential history to be made if Michelle Yeoh wins best actress at 2023 OscarsMuch like her 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' character, Michelle Yeoh has become an unstoppable force.
Read more »
Potential history to be made if Michelle Yeoh wins best actress at 2023 OscarsMuch like her 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' character, Michelle Yeoh has become an unstoppable force.
Read more »