Why Charlize Is Using Her Fame For Good

© PA

CHARLIZE THERON has opened up about why she feels it is important to use her prominent position for philanthropic purposes.

"Everyone has a part to play in making our world better.I've been fortunate enough to have been given an opportunity and a platform to speak about an issue that is very important to me," the Oscar-winning actress told *Footwear News * ahead of her latest collaboration with shoe brand Toms - the Toms x Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project shoes hits stores in July."I hope that maybe one talk given or one piece written reaches someone in a way that encourages or inspires them to do what they can to make a difference."

Read more:Charlize Puts The Rumours To Rest

Charlize Theron in Valentino.

© Rex Features

The partnership between Theron's eponymous initiative, which she founded in 2007 with the aim of improving the livelihoods and wellbeing of those living in impoverished South African communities, and Toms continues the actress's efforts to tackle the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and sexual violence in the country, particularly amongst young people.

Read more:Style File - Charlize Theron

Speaking about the challenges of charitable work, the mother of two conceded, "It's easy to become jaded in this world and feel as if humanity is apathetic, but the deeper I have dived with the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, the more I've realised that people want to help.People do care - a lot of times they just need help learning what role they can play."

The actress - who was named a UN Messenger Of Peace in 2008 in recognition of her philanthropic endeavours - continued, "It's easy to get discouraged by the scope of a global challenge like ending AIDS.Sometimes it feels insurmountable, but every time I get to visit some of the projects and hear from the young people, I get recharged and I realise that even the small changes matter."

Read more:Charlize Therons Baby News

Theron also had a rallying message for how others can join the efforts."We can be the generation to end AIDS, but everyone has to get involved.That could mean having safer sexual relationships, knowing your own status, volunteering at a local clinic, or maybe just learning the facts."