Jennifer Lopez's Next Gig Is Really Important

Jennifer Lopez is much more than her catchy songs, her hit movies, and her enviable ageless look — she is also a steadfast women's rights powerhouse. Of course, Lopez fans already know this, but now there is even further confirmation. On Sept. 23, the United Nations announced the singer/actress' most important gig yet. Jennifer Lopez was named the Global Advocate for Girls and Women at the United Nations Foundation. And get this: She is the first one to hold this position, ever.

The role entails Lopez sounding the call for action to address the needs and rights of women worldwide. Her tasks will include supporting maternal health programs, ensuring access to education and health services, and working to end gender-based violence, among other work of the UN Foundation and the agencies it supports. And it sounds like she is excited to get started. In a statement, she said,

Becoming a mother has made me more aware of the struggles of women and children throughout the world. While some progress has been made, there is still a lot more work that needs to be done for gender equality and universal access to medical care. I am happy to be joining the UN Foundation and eager to lend my voice and ensure that all girls and women are safe, healthy, educated and empowered.

This is a huge deal for women everywhere because of Lopez's huge platform, and therefore, her huge influence. By taking on this role, the 46-year-old shows that she can use her star power and personality to speak up for women's rights. But anyone who has been following her women's rights journey knows this is totally in character with what she believes. Check out a round up of times Lopez has stood up for women's rights and feminism.

Headlining A Women's Rights Concert

Lopez teamed up with none other than Beyoncé to headline a women's rights concert in London back in the summer of 2013. The concert was held in support of Chime for Change, a global campaign set up to help empower girls and women worldwide.

Raising Awareness Of Mexican Femicide

Lopez joined forces with Amnesty International to raise awareness about Mexican femicide after learning that 350 women were tragically killed in the country as a result of femicide back in 1993. She launched a bilingual website to get the word out to more people.

Every Mother Counts

Lopez has been listed as one of the main celebrity supporters of the charity Every Mother Counts, an advocacy and mobilization campaign to increase education and support for both maternal and child health.

Showing Support For Equal Pay

Lopez along with Meryl Streep, made their views on the wage gap crystal clear during Patricia Arquette's call for equal pay for women in the U.S. at the Oscars. They went wild!

Taking On Objectification Of Women

The mother of two killed two birds with one stone when she released her music video for the single, "I Luh Ya Papi." Not only did she turn the tables on the male gaze to a female gaze, she also served an important commentary on how women have been historically objectified in just about every music video.

Starring In Bordertown

The actress specifically made a point all the way back in 2006 to star in a film that raised awareness of the murders of many women in Juarez. At the time, she said, "I felt it was really something that was screaming to be talked about and brought to the surface."

Last But Not Least, "My Love Don't Cost A Thing"

We can't forget Lopez's classic 2001 feminist anthem to encourage women to value time and affection with their partners as opposed to material goods.

Even if she's not known for it as much as some other celebrities are, it is clear that she has been pro-women for quite some time now. And with her new position, J. Lo is just getting started.