'People think Dubai has streets paved in gold', says Eva Longoria

Gold digging was never so deliciously played until Gabrielle Solis shimmied her way into Wisteria Lane, and corresponding television sets, which would diligently tune in to catch the hit ABC show and the shenanigans of one of its 'Desperate Housewives' that reigned supreme across eight seasons.

It is perhaps ironic then to see Eva Longoria's real-self as the polar opposite of the on-screen imagery she personified, proving herself as one of Hollywood's most vocal social activists and humanitarians.

Patrick Castillo

The actress is currently attending the charity initiative supported by the Dubai International Film Festival in the form of the Global Gift Gala, supported by the Eva Longoria Foundation, which hosted a fundraising initiative in association with Dubai Cares and Sunrise K Foundation to help empower women and children.

Speaking at a media event, Longoria defended her glamorous celebrity status, saying that you don't have to be experienced to make a change.

Patrick Castillo

She said, "You don’t have to experience something to want to make a change. We should all work towards making Earth a better place. Early in my career, I supported a cancer foundation. I learned about it, and was touched by what I saw.

"I also did a lot of political advocacy for farm owners. I think it's a misconception that I can't be me, or look like this and cannot be a political activist or a volunteer or run an organisation."

Patrick Castillo

Talking about her Eva Longoria Foundation, the actress said its sole purpose was to help women with leadership programmes.

"Women are six times more ambitious and driven than men. What they lack is access to education and access to entrepreneurial training, capital," she said. "When you change a woman's economical liberty, you change an entire family’s economics. You change communities."

Talking about bringing the Global Gift Gala to Dubai for a second year, Longoria further stated, "People ask us why we go only to certain countries for the foundation. I say it is important to bring such initiatives here to show how beautiful and generous a community Dubai really is.

"It is so far removed from everything else. I want the world to know how generous in support this place is, and how it is working to bring sustainable change in the rest of the world."

When quizzed about her opinion about Arabs and misconceptions that dominate western biases, Longoria further stated, "I am Mexican American. I was raised in Mexican culture. I understand the similarities where you are being judged for your culture, ethnicity.

"There is always bias that people have. You just have to put your best foot forward."

The 39-year-old actress also wasn’t shy to point out the gender bias that people like her faced in the entertainment industry.

"Of course there are gender discrepancies in the entertainment world. Women age out. They get paid less. Not just Hollywood though, as other industries too follows the same ideal," she revealed. "In the US, women earn 76 cents to every dollar. There is a lot of work that is needed to edge towards gender equality.

"Hollywood has a large platform. One of the problems we have in Hollywood is that we don’t have enough women behind the camera. Once you are in that seat, you get to create the stories, the images you see. I encourage women to make filmmakers and bring the change."

The actress, who wouldn't stop gushing about Dubai, was all praises for the women here, adding: "I say Arab women are the most beautiful in the world. Dubai is one of my favourite places. When they talk about Dubai, people think the streets are paved with gold."

Quizzed about the influences on her life growing up, she further added, "I was not influenced by celebrities growing up. It was all in house. I have nine aunts, three sisters. There are no men in my family.

All the women in my family are independent, educated. I was the last one to get a Masters degree so I am the underachiever."

She continued, "My older sister was a special needs child. Growing up with such a childhood, you come from a selfless family. It’s in our DNA. She needed so much support, and being a recipient of the community help we received, you want to give back. I was a volunteer early in my life. The idea of volunteerism is what I want to spread."

The actress, who is endorsing a line of home furnishings at Marina Homes, will see proceeds from the Equestrian Line go to her charity.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.