New York - Academy Award winner actress and activist Charlize Theron was named UN Messenger of Peace to lead the campaign to end violence against women, the UN said Friday.

Theron founded The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project in partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) to help improve the lives of poor children and their families in her native South Africa, particularly those suffering from HIV/AIDS.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who appointed the famous actress, said Theron has demonstrated her compassion and ability to work for the poor.

"I am convinced you'll be a persuasive and powerful Messenger of Peace," Ban said. "You have consistently dedicated yourself to improving the lives of women and children in South Africa, and to preventing and stopping violence against women and girls. I look forward to working with you to end this terrible scourge."

The UN has appointed movie stars and celebrities to help its causes around the world. They include George Clooney for UN peacekeeping, Daniel Barenboim for peace and tolerance, Michael Douglas for disarmament and Yo-Yo Ma for youth.

Theron, who won an Academy award for her portrayal of a serial killer in the film Monster, has used her star power to advocate for women since she emerged on the international scene more than a decade ago. In 1999, she provoked controversy in South Africa with an anti- rape ad.

In the televised message, Theron looks into the camera saying, "Many people have asked me what South African men are like."

She then cites the country's horrific rape statistics which showed that a woman or young girl was raped every 36 seconds.

The South African Advertising Standards Committee banned the ad, saying it discriminated against men. But the ruling was overturned by an appeals court. (dpa)