The United Nations has appointed DC Comics superhero Wonder Woman an honorary ambassador for the empowerment of women and girls.

(Matt Cowan / Getty Images)

The appointment, which comes as the character celebrates her 75th anniversary, has sparked controversy.

Even though Wonder Woman has been associated with the women’s rights movement, the UN move has its critics.

Hundreds of staff members have signed a petition asking the UN to make a different choice, calling the scantily clad Wonder Woman the ”epitome of a ‘pin-up’ girl.”

Meanwhile, the UN under-secretary-general for communications and public information, stresses the character could shine a light on issues women around the world face, from higher rates of illiteracy to gender-based violence.