The Power of Voice: How Jane Fonda Uses Their Platform for Change

The "Grace and Frankie" alum has graced our screens for years and enjoyed immense Hollywood success, but she has also dedicated much of her time to worthy causes close to her heart.

Jane Fonda’s name might evoke memories of her award-winning performances and timeless presence in Hollywood, but her influence reaches far beyond film. For more than half a century, she’s used her fame not just to entertain but to enlighten, using her platform as a powerful tool for activism.

Her journey as an advocate began long before social media made celebrity activism commonplace. What started as a bold stance against the Vietnam War evolved into a lifelong commitment to justice — for women, Indigenous peoples, and the planet itself. To understand Fonda’s enduring impact, it helps to look back at where it all began.

Early Activism: From Hollywood to Hanoi

In the early 1970s, Fonda's activism took center stage. At just 32, she was arrested during a speaking tour opposing the Vietnam War, cementing her reputation as one of Hollywood's most outspoken antiwar voices.

In 1972, she traveled to North Vietnam to witness the effects of the conflict firsthand. Touring hospitals and schools, Fonda spoke out against U.S. military involvement and highlighted the suffering of Vietnamese civilians.

Her visit — and the controversial photograph taken of her on a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun — sparked outrage at home, earning her the nickname "Hanoi Jane."

Though the backlash was intense and long-lasting, Fonda's commitment to activism never wavered. The experience marked the beginning of a lifelong mission to use her voice for justice, even when it meant standing alone.

Evolving Causes: A Lifelong Commitment to Change

As her career flourished, Fonda began to expand her influence into other causes that uplifted marginalized groups. In 1995, she founded the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (G-CAPP), a non-profit she remains active in today.

The program focuses on addressing teen pregnancy through education, legislative advocacy and community development. She also established the Jane Fonda Center for Adolescent Reproductive Health at the Emory School of Medicine.

The center facilitates advanced research and training around youth health and reproductive development. During her time as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund, Fonda also advocated for global reproductive rights and gender equality.

Her activism also includes the rights and freedoms of the LBTQIA+ community. The 87-year-old has also remained steadfast in her fight for Native American rights, even going as far as risking arrest. Furthermore, she continues to be staunchly anti-war.

Climate Change Advocacy: Fire Drill Fridays

Despite her arrest, stood firm in her conviction. "I knew that would have an impact," she told CBS News in 2024, explaining that she started Fire Drill Fridays because she believed in the power of collective action.

The "Book Club" star understands that through her fame, she is able to reach a wider audience, using her interviews, documentaries, and social media to spread awareness about world issues. Her work goes far beyond what anyone can imagine.

Fonda's journey proves that influence is most powerful when used with intention. From her early protests against war to her ongoing fight for gender and climate justice, she's never shied away from standing up for what she believes in — even when it comes at a cost.