Reese Witherspoon Celebrates and Protects Women Worldwide

Reese Witherspoon has a history of playing tough, independent women — everyone from June Carter Cash in Walk the Line to Becky Sharp in Vanity Fair to the charmingly bubbly Elle Woods in Legally Blonde.

But it turns out Reese Witherspoon is a pretty tough, independent woman when she's simply being herself, and this week she's standing up for vulnerable women worldwide as an Avon Global Ambassador.

On Wednesday, the Oscar winner brushed shoulders with First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the 2010 International Women of Courage Awards — the same day she unveiled Avon's new fundraising project, the Women's Empowerment Ring.

According to a press release, the silver knot ring costs a mere $5 and 100 percent of the net profits support domestic violence programs. The ring will be sold by Avon representatives in 45 countries and people who purchase it in the US also receive a free Domestic Violence Resource Guide to increase awareness, provide information and resources, and encourage everyone to speak out to end violence against women.

"There is nothing more important for all of us than ensuring the safety of women and girls everywhere. The problem is so pervasive, it's critical that we find ways to work together, as a global community, to combat it," Witherspoon said in a statement.

Despite the seriousness of her mission, Witherspoon wasn't above a little humor while attending the Women of Courage Awards. While speaking at the event, she noted that her Legally Blonde character "happened to be the biggest fashionista who ever came to Washington — until Michelle Obama. Thanks a lot," according to The Associated Press.

Cheers to Witherspoon for using her celebrity — and humor — to raise money for a serious, worthy cause.

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza via Wikimedia Commons.